New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen

The Third Circuit ruled 10-5 that New Jersey’s ban on semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines is unconstitutional, citing the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision requiring historical analogs for Second Amendment restrictions. The majority found no sufficient historical precedent for the ban, while the dissent argued that such weapons are too dangerous for constitutional protection.

In United States v. Hemani, Justices Gorsuch, Jackson, and Alito agreed the government failed to prove its justification for disarming Ali Hemani under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), citing his marijuana use. The case hinges on Second Amendment protections and the requirement for the government to demonstrate a permissible reason tied to the defendant's conduct, as established by precedents like Bruen and Rahimi.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation banning future sale and manufacture of assault-style firearms and other bills, including hospital weapon restrictions, marijuana sentencing reforms, and protections for immigrant workers. Republicans criticized the measures, predicting legal challenges and citing constitutional concerns.