The Supreme Court was set to consider a challenge to Maryland's assault weapon ban. The case, known as Snope vs. Brown, has been delayed and rescheduled. This delay is unusual and could mean several things for gun laws.
The Snope vs. Brown case contests Maryland's ban on assault weapons. Initially, a federal district court dismissed the case. The court relied on an existing decision that upheld the ban, saying it did not violate the Second Amendment. The case went to the Fourth Circuit, where it was dismissed again. Then, in 2022, the case reached the Supreme Court, asking for a review of the decisions.
The Supreme Court's decision in another case, Bruin, led them to vacate and remand the Snope case. By doing this, they asked the Fourth Circuit to reconsider the case in light of the Bruin decision. In December 2022, a three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit took up the case. But they made no decision for 13 months, leaving the case inactive.
Then, the full Fourth Circuit court decided to take over. They ruled the ban on these firearms is allowed. They used a "military use test" to justify the ban. This decision supported the state's right to ban certain firearms. There were some judges who disagreed. Judges Richardson, Neemagi, and Quatbomb dissented but were outvoted.
Maryland's state tried to delay the case by asking for more time to respond. The Supreme Court granted a partial extension. Maryland was required to respond by mid-November, which they did.
The Fourth Circuit's decision was not surprising. Many expected it, especially after the full court took control. The decision sets up the case to return to the Supreme Court. This final review could have major effects on gun laws in the U.S.
The Supreme Court's decision in this case will be critical. It could define future gun laws and the reach of the Second Amendment. As the case awaits its next conference, it remains a key issue for both gun rights supporters and those pushing for more firearm regulations.
- Eighth Circuit Court Strikes Down ATF’s Pistol Brace Rule as Arbitrary - December 20, 2024
- Federal Judge Strikes Down ATF’s Force Reset Trigger Restrictions - December 18, 2024
- Supreme Court declines emergency intervention in NYC gun permit case - December 16, 2024
