In a significant ruling Tuesday, a federal court upheld Maryland’s ban on “assault weapons,” affirming the state’s authority to regulate firearms. The decision comes after years of legal challenges from gun rights advocates who argued the ban violated their Second Amendment rights.
The Maryland law, enacted in 2013, prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms defined as “assault weapons.” The list includes popular models like the AR-15 and AK-47, as well as various other firearms with specific features deemed to be dangerous.
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Opponents of the ban argued that these firearms are commonly used for lawful purposes, such as hunting and sport shooting, and that the ban infringed on their constitutional right to bear arms. They claimed that the law’s definition of “assault weapons” was arbitrary and did not address the root causes of gun violence.
However, the federal court disagreed, stating that the ban was a reasonable measure to protect public safety in light of the increasing frequency and lethality of mass shootings involving these types of weapons. The court also noted that the law did not prohibit the possession of other firearms, and therefore did not constitute a complete ban on gun ownership.
The Firearms Policy Coalition Inc., one of the plaintiffs challenging Maryland’s law, said it would again ask the Supreme Court to review the case.
“Our objective is simple: End all bans on so-called ‘assault weapons’ nationwide. And we look forward to doing just that,” coalition president Brandon Combs said in a statement.
Supporters of the ban hailed the decision as a victory for public safety, arguing that these weapons are designed for military use and have no place in civilian hands. They believe that the ban will help reduce gun violence and save lives.
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The ruling is expected to be appealed, and the issue is likely to continue to be debated in courtrooms and legislatures across the country. However, for now, Maryland’s “assault weapons” ban remains in effect, marking a significant legal precedent in the ongoing national debate over gun control.
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