Second Amendment
Coverage of Second Amendment in the Nexus archive.
- Gun rights gets 'greatest restoration' in 100 years with latest Trump DOJ move, lawmaker hails
Gun rights advocates are celebrating a ruling that makes obtaining firearm suppressors and certain weapons easier, following reductions to taxes previously established by the National Firearms Act of 1934. Lawmaker Andrew Clyde stated this action removed tax restrictions, enabling groups to argue that added federal registration requirements are therefore unconstitutional.
- Gun rights gets 'greatest restoration' in 100 years with latest Trump DOJ move, lawmaker hails
Gun rights advocates are celebrating a recent ruling that makes it easier to obtain suppressors and certain weapons, which one lawmaker called the "greatest restoration" of Second Amendment rights. This change resulted from reducing the tax on items like silencers from $200 under the National Firearms Act of 1934 to $0 in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The ruling prompted activists to argue that the resulting registration requirement was unconstitutional.
- What does the Trump administration want from the Supreme Court next?
The Trump administration and President Donald Trump's legal team are asking the Supreme Court to review an $83.3 million defamation judgment against him, arguing for immunity. The administration also has pending petitions on immigration detention policies, the Second Amendment, the U.S. DOGE Service, and transgender troop policies, with a focus on Raycraft v. Lopez-Campos, which challenges detention without bond for noncitizens apprehended within the U.S.
- Sports gambling super PACs place big bets on Michigan legislative races
Sports gambling super PACs have spent money on ads targeting Michigan legislative candidates, focusing on issues like the economy and the Second Amendment. The ads do not mention gambling, according to the article.
- The court’s big gun cases – and what’s next
The Supreme Court ruled on two Second Amendment cases this term: United States v. Hemani and Wolford v. Lopez. In Hemani, the court unanimously rejected a federal law disarming daily marijuana users, while in Wolford v. Lopez, a 6-3 decision struck down a Hawaii law restricting firearms on private public property. Both rulings applied the Bruen framework, requiring governments to prove regulations align with historical firearm traditions.
- Maryland synagogue sues county over prohibition on firearms near places of worship
A Maryland synagogue sued Montgomery County, challenging a regulation that prohibits firearm possession within 100 yards of places of worship, claiming it violates the First, Second, and Fourteenth Amendments. The synagogue argues the law hinders its ability to defend against anti-Semitic threats and fulfill religious security obligations, citing Talmudic teachings. The county enacted the regulation to comply with a state Supreme Court ruling that limited local firearm restrictions to specific public assembly areas.
- How Marsha Blackburn and John Rose Differ on the Issues in the Tennessee Governor’s Race
Marsha Blackburn and John Rose, Republican candidates in Tennessee's governor's race, share similar stances on issues like Second Amendment rights and immigration but differ on approaches to education, housing affordability, and regulatory policies. Blackburn advocates for expanding school vouchers and opposing government housing market intervention, while Rose supports school choice with accountability and regulating property taxes. They also diverge on corporate accountability, with Rose criticizing CoreCivic and Blackburn avoiding direct engagement.
- Two gun rights groups are suing the U.S. Virgin Islands over concealed carry for nonresidents
Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation are suing the U.S. Virgin Islands government and its police commissioner to allow nonresidents to obtain concealed carry licenses, citing the Second Amendment. A Florida resident, Sean Dale Henry, attempted to apply for a license without success, and the lawsuit claims the U.S. Virgin Islands’ refusal violates constitutional rights. The territory faces a separate ongoing lawsuit from the U.S. Justice Department over similar issues.
- US Virgin Islands faces second lawsuit over right to bear arms as Florida resident seeks license
Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation are suing the U.S. Virgin Islands and its police commissioner over a dispute involving the Second Amendment. A Florida resident is seeking a license to carry a firearm in the territory, triggering the legal challenge.
- The history the court would rather not see
The Supreme Court's 2021 Bruen decision requires modern gun laws to align with historical firearm regulation traditions to pass Second Amendment scrutiny. In Wolford v. Lopez, the Court struck down Hawaii's law requiring permission to carry guns on private public-access property, rejecting a Louisiana Black Code law as an analog due to its racist origins.
- Federal appeals court rules that New Jersey's assault weapons ban is unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled that New Jersey's assault weapons ban is unconstitutional. This marks the first time a federal court has struck down a state-level assault weapons ban, as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to evaluate whether semiautomatic rifle bans violate the Second Amendment.
- Major appeals court declares New Jersey AR-15 ban unconstitutional in landmark Second Amendment ruling
A federal appeals court ruled New Jersey's ban on semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines unconstitutional, expanding a lower court's decision to strike down the state's 'assault-firearm' restrictions. The National Rifle Association hailed the ruling as a 'historic victory' for Second Amendment rights.
- Major appeals court declares New Jersey AR-15 ban unconstitutional in landmark Second Amendment ruling
A federal appeals court ruled New Jersey's ban on semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, expanding a prior lower court decision to cover all semiautomatic rifles. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, citing Supreme Court precedents like Heller and Bruen, concluded New Jersey failed to justify its restrictions as consistent with historical firearm regulation. The National Rifle Association hailed the decision as a 'historic victory' after years of litigation.
- Third Circuit strikes down New Jersey assault weapons ban
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.
- Appeals court says NJ’s AR-15, high-capacity magazine bans violate Second Amendment
A federal appeals court invalidated New Jersey’s ban on 'assault' firearms and high-capacity magazines, ruling it violates the Second Amendment. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 10-5 to strike down the restrictions, marking a major legal win for gun rights advocates.
- Teacher reportedly fired over Charlie Kirk post files federal lawsuit against Gaston County Schools
Holly Ackerman, a former exceptional children teacher in Gaston County, filed a federal lawsuit against Gaston County Schools after being fired over a 2025 Facebook comment criticizing conservative activist Charlie Kirk's remarks on gun deaths. The school district cited policy violations and claimed the post caused operational disruptions, though the hearing did not present evidence of such disruptions.
- JONATHAN TURLEY: James Talarico's defense of gun control leaves out a key word
James Talarico, a Democratic state representative running for U.S. Senate in Texas, argues that the Second Amendment supports gun control by citing the phrase 'well regulated.' Jonathan Turley critiques this interpretation, noting Talarico omits the word 'militia' that follows 'well regulated' in the amendment. The article highlights legal debates over the amendment's wording and upcoming Supreme Court cases on gun laws.
- The limits of the Second Amendment
The article examines unresolved questions about the Second Amendment, including definitions of 'the people' and 'Arms,' and explores legal limits on firearm possession in sensitive places and by certain individuals. It references key cases like District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, highlighting court analyses of restrictions on guns in locations such as parks, bars, and treatment centers.
- Federal appeals court upholds Illinois ban on semiautomatic weapons, overturning lower-court ruling
A federal appeals court upheld Illinois's ban on semiautomatic weapons, overturning a lower court's ruling that deemed the ban unconstitutional. The Seventh Circuit's 2-1 decision affirmed the law's compliance with the Second Amendment, citing its alignment with firearm regulation traditions and evidence linking such weapons to severe gun violence. The law, enacted in 2023, was prompted by a 2022 mass shooting at a Chicago-area parade.
- Inside Trump's unprecedented battle plan to expand Second Amendment rights through Justice Department
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has sued California and Virginia over gun laws, marking an unprecedented effort to enforce Second Amendment rights. The lawsuits target specific firearm restrictions in these states and aim to establish broader constitutional precedent through coordinated legal challenges.
- Inside Trump's unprecedented battle plan to expand Second Amendment rights through Justice Department
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division is suing California and Virginia over gun laws, marking an unprecedented effort to expand Second Amendment protections. The department has filed over a dozen lawsuits challenging firearm restrictions in multiple jurisdictions, aiming to establish constitutional precedent rather than targeting every restriction.
- Trump administration takes steps to roll back gun rules
The Trump administration is rolling back gun restrictions aimed at public safety, following President Trump's pledge to expand Second Amendment rights. Justice correspondent Ali Rogin discussed these efforts with Chip Brownlee from The Trace, who covers federal gun policy.
- Is the Roberts court hyperopic or willfully blind?
The article discusses the Supreme Court's conservative super-majority's decisions during its latest term, noting their alignment with traditional conservative positions on issues like LGBTQ rights, the Second Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. It also highlights exceptions where the court ruled against President Trump's tariff policies, suggesting a distinction between traditional and MAGA conservatism.
- Georgia teacher receives almost $300K settlement over Charlie Kirk assassination post
A Georgia teacher received a $287,500 settlement after a lawsuit against her school district over Facebook comments regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination. The district initially placed her on indefinite leave and encouraged her resignation, claiming the post violated policies, while the Southern Poverty Law Center argued her speech was constitutionally protected.
- At July 4 speech, Trump stumps for controversial SAVE America Act, which even some Republicans in Congress are challenging
President Trump promoted the controversial SAVE America Act during his July 4 speech, which mixed patriotic elements with partisan politics. The speech highlighted support for the Second Amendment and anti-communism, while weather disruptions affected events nationwide.
- Trump mixes patriotism with partisanship as he celebrates America's 'joyous' 250th anniversary
President Donald Trump celebrated America's 250th anniversary with a speech blending patriotism and partisan appeals, honoring veterans and promoting the SAVE America Act. The event, held after National Mall evacuations due to storms, featured performances by Trump-aligned musicians and highlighted his support for the Second Amendment and anti-communism.
- Trump sues Virginia over assault weapons ban
The Justice Department sued Virginia after its ban on high-capacity semiautomatic weapons took effect, arguing the law violates the Second Amendment. The lawsuit challenges the definition of 'assault firearms' and claims the regulation lacks historical precedent as outlined in the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.
- The Supreme Court Will Decide Whether States Can Ban Assault Weapons
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases challenging assault weapons bans in Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut. The decision could determine the constitutionality of such bans under the Second Amendment, potentially affecting similar laws in other states. The cases, Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, will be argued in October 2023, with a ruling expected by 2024.
- Supreme Court will consider whether laws called assault weapons bans violate the Second Amendment
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases challenging assault weapons bans in Connecticut and Cook County, Illinois, with arguments over whether such laws violate the Second Amendment. Gun control groups argue the bans are public safety measures, while gun rights advocates claim they are unconstitutional. Similar laws exist in multiple states, and the court's decision could impact firearm regulations nationwide.
- Court grants several new cases, including on whether the Second Amendment protects possession of semiautomatic rifles
The Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of bans on semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15, taking up cases from Illinois and Connecticut. The decision follows recent rulings on gun rights and includes challenges to local laws that prohibit possession of such firearms, with justices acknowledging prior divisions on the issue.
- Supreme Court will consider whether laws called assault weapons bans violate the Second Amendment
The U.S. Supreme Court will review cases challenging bans on semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15s, in the Chicago area and Connecticut, determining if such laws violate the Second Amendment.
- Supreme Court to review bans on AR-15s
The Supreme Court will review state bans on AR-15 semiautomatic rifles in Illinois and Connecticut, following a 2022 ruling that reshaped gun regulation standards. The case centers on whether such bans violate the Second Amendment, with advocates arguing the AR-15 is a common civilian firearm and opponents citing its role in mass shootings.
- Cook County assault weapon ban: Supreme Court to hear challenge
The Supreme Court will hear a Second Amendment case challenging Cook County's assault weapon ban, which could determine the ban's future. The case centers on the legality of restricting specific firearms under constitutional protections.
- Supreme Court will consider striking down assault weapons bans in Chicago-area, Connecticut
The Supreme Court will review whether bans on semiautomatic rifles, often termed assault weapons, in the Chicago-area and Connecticut violate the Second Amendment. The Court, which has previously expanded gun rights, is considering the constitutionality of these restrictions.
- Supreme Court will consider striking down assault weapons bans, in Connecticut and the Chicago-area
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider challenging assault weapons bans in Connecticut and the Chicago area, focusing on whether semiautomatic rifle restrictions violate the Second Amendment. The decision follows a conservative-leaning court's expansion of gun rights, including a 2022 landmark ruling. Gun rights groups argue bans infringe on constitutional rights, while supporters claim such weapons are frequently used in mass shootings.
- Supreme Court will consider striking down assault weapons bans, in Connecticut and the Chicago-area
The U.S. Supreme Court will review appeals challenging assault weapons bans in Connecticut and the Chicago area, focusing on whether semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15 violate the Second Amendment. The case involves state laws passed after mass shootings, with gun rights groups opposing restrictions and supporters arguing such weapons are commonly used in attacks. The decision could impact similar laws in over a dozen states.
- U.S. Supreme Court will hear challenge to Cook County assault weapons ban
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Cook County’s assault weapons ban, which prohibits possession of firearms like AR-15s. The case, consolidated with a similar challenge from Connecticut, will determine whether the Second and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee the right to own such rifles. The decision follows the 2022 Bruen ruling, which established a framework for evaluating gun laws based on historical tradition of firearm regulation.
- Supreme Court will consider striking down assault weapons bans, in Connecticut and the Chicago-area
The Supreme Court will consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment. The case involves challenges to such bans in Connecticut and the Chicago-area.
- Supreme Court will consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases challenging bans on semiautomatic rifles, including the AR-15, in Connecticut and the Chicago area. The court will determine if such bans violate the Second Amendment, following a conservative-leaning court that expanded gun rights in 2022. States like Connecticut and Illinois argue these weapons are commonly used in mass shootings and can be constitutionally banned, while gun rights groups claim the bans infringe on Second Amendment protections.
- Supreme Court will consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment
The U.S. Supreme Court will review bans on semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15s, in Connecticut and the Chicago area, with similar laws in other states. The case arises after a 2022 ruling expanded Second Amendment protections and follows debates over gun control measures in response to mass shootings. Opponents argue such bans violate constitutional rights, while proponents claim they address public safety risks.