The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to take up legal challenges to so-called assault-weapons bans that apply to AR-15-style firearms. The cases involve restrictions brought by opponents of the bans in Cook County, Illinois, and in Connecticut. Both outlets report that the Court will review the challenges rather than leave the bans in place while litigation continues in lower courts. The dispute centers on whether the bans can be sustained under the U.S. Constitution, as challengers argue the regulations are inconsistent with constitutional protections related to firearms. Supporters of the bans maintain that the restrictions are intended to address public safety concerns.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the cases means the justices will consider the legal arguments presented by both sides and determine whether the bans, as implemented in the two jurisdictions, can stand. The Court’s action does not resolve the merits yet, but it signals that the justices will address the questions raised by the challenges.
