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2A Community Reacts: Supreme Court Rejects Multiple “Assault Weapon” & Magazine Ban Cases

Recent developments in the legal battles over gun rights have sparked significant reactions across the Second Amendment (2A) community. The Supreme Court’s decision to deny certiorari in two pivotal cases, while keeping others in contention, has left many gun rights advocates cautiously optimistic but frustrated with the slow pace of progress.

Here’s a detailed look at the reactions, key cases, and broader implications based on insights from several experts and commentators.

Maryland Shall Issue and Gray v. Jennings: The Rejections

Maryland Shall Issue and Gray v. Jennings The Rejections
Image Credit: Survival World

On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to hear Maryland Shall Issue v. Moore, a challenge to Maryland’s handgun qualification license law, and Gray v. Jennings, which focused on Delaware’s bans on “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines.

Jake Fogleman of The Reload explained that these denials represent a setback for gun rights advocates. He noted that the Court’s refusal to address these issues leaves lower court rulings intact, which upheld Maryland’s licensing requirements and denied an injunction against Delaware’s gun bans.

Procedural Complexities

Procedural Complexities
Image Credit: Tom Grieve

Attorney Tom Grieve also expressed disappointment, calling the rejection of these cases “not good” but stopping short of calling it catastrophic. He emphasized that procedural complexities may have contributed to the Court’s decision to pass on these cases for now.

Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical: Still on the Table

Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical Still on the Table
Image Credit: The Four Boxes Diner

Despite these setbacks, there’s cautious optimism surrounding two other critical cases: Snope v. Brown, which challenges Maryland’s ban on AR-15-style rifles, and Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island, which contests the state’s magazine capacity restrictions.

Mark W. Smith of The Four Boxes Diner highlighted the importance of these cases, noting that they remain alive and under consideration. He described the Supreme Court’s decision to relist these cases as a positive sign, suggesting the justices may be thoroughly reviewing their merits.

Addressing Fundamental issues

Addressing Fundamental issues
Image Credit: Washington Gun Law

Similarly, William Kirk of Washington Gun Law emphasized that these cases could provide an opportunity for the Supreme Court to address fundamental questions about the constitutionality of banning arms and accessories in common use. “If the Court takes these cases, they could settle once and for all whether such bans are permissible under the Second Amendment,” Kirk said.

The Supreme Court’s Reluctance

The Supreme Court’s Reluctance
Image Credit: Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News

The Court’s reluctance to take up gun rights cases has become a point of contention. Jake Fogleman observed that the justices seem more willing to hear government appeals than those from gun rights groups, creating a perception of imbalance. Tom Grieve explained that this dynamic may stem from procedural concerns or a preference for fully developed cases.

However, this approach frustrates advocates like Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets, who argued that the Court’s hesitance leaves lower courts free to implement restrictive gun laws. “The Supreme Court has to step in and provide clarity,” Yanis said.

Procedural Hurdles and Timing

Procedural Hurdles and Timing
Image Credit: Survival World

Procedural challenges often play a significant role in whether the Court hears a case. Grieve likened the legal process to a baseball game, noting that cases must be fully developed before reaching the Supreme Court. “The Court often wants a complete record from the lower courts before intervening,” he explained.

Kirk echoed this sentiment, noting that cases like Gray v. Jennings were mired in procedural complexities, which likely influenced the justices’ decision to deny certiorari.

A Possible Strategy?

A Possible Strategy
Image Credit: Copper Jacket TV

Some analysts, including Mark W. Smith, suggested that the Supreme Court might be adopting a strategic approach by prioritizing high-profile cases like Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical over less clear-cut challenges. “The Court may be holding back to ensure it takes on the most significant and impactful cases,” Smith argued.

William of Copper Jacket TV shared a similar perspective, describing the relisting of these cases as a sign that the Court is carefully considering its next steps. He urged patience, noting that the process often takes time.

The Role of the 2022 Bruen Decision

The Role of the 2022 Bruen Decision
Image Credit: Survival World

Many commentators referenced the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which established a new standard for evaluating gun laws. Jake Fogleman argued that the lower courts’ inconsistent application of this standard underscores the need for further Supreme Court intervention.

Jared Yanis emphasized that Bruen has not yet delivered the transformative change many gun rights advocates hoped for, partly because the Court has been slow to take up new cases.

Implications for the 2A Community

Implications for the 2A Community
Image Credit: Survival World

The mixed news from the Supreme Court has left the 2A community divided. On one hand, the rejection of Maryland Shall Issue and Gray v. Jennings is a blow to those fighting state-level restrictions. On the other hand, the continued consideration of Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical offers hope that the Court may eventually address key constitutional questions.

As William Kirk observed, these cases represent an opportunity to clarify whether the Second Amendment protects arms and magazines in common use. “The stakes couldn’t be higher,” he said.

A Critical Crossroads

A Critical Crossroads
Image Credit: Survival World

The Supreme Court’s decisions – or lack thereof – have left the gun rights movement at a critical crossroads. While it’s frustrating to see important cases denied, the continued viability of Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical offers a glimmer of hope. The justices must recognize the urgency of providing clear guidance on the Second Amendment, especially as states continue to implement restrictive gun laws.

However, this process underscores the importance of persistence. Advocacy groups like the Second Amendment Foundation and Maryland Shall Issue deserve credit for their unwavering commitment to these legal battles. The path forward may be uncertain, but the fight for constitutional rights is far from over.

What’s Next?

What’s Next
Image Credit: Survival World

With Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical set for further consideration, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s next conference. Will the justices finally address these pressing issues, or will they kick the can down the road once again? One thing is certain: the 2A community will be watching – and waiting.

What do you think about the Supreme Court’s approach to these cases? Should they prioritize clarity on the Second Amendment, or are they right to proceed cautiously?