Summary
The Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari challenging Maryland’s ban on AR-15 semi-automatic rifles under the Second Amendment. Justices Kavanaugh and Thomas filed separate statements respecting the denial, arguing that AR-15s are commonly owned by law-abiding citizens and thus protected arms under precedents like District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen. Justices Alito and Gorsuch would have granted certiorari. The Fourth Circuit's ruling upholding the state ban remains in effect.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether Maryland's ban on AR‑15 rifles violates the Second Amendment
- Whether the Fourth Circuit erred in holding that AR‑15s are not protected arms under the Second Amendment
Holdings
- The petition for a writ of certiorari is denied.
Key quotations
“The Second Amendment guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.””
Factual background
Maryland enacted a statute prohibiting ownership of AR‑15 rifles. Millions of Americans own AR‑15s, and the rifles are legal in the majority of states. Petitioners argued that the ban violates the Second Amendment's protection of arms in common use.
Procedural history
The Fourth Circuit upheld Maryland's ban on AR‑15 rifles; petitioners sought Supreme Court review; the Court denied the petition for certiorari.