The Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals challenging bans on semi-automatic rifles, often referred to as assault weapons, in Connecticut and the Chicago area. The court’s decision to hear the case comes as a number of states have implemented similar laws, including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

Background

The Connecticut law was passed after a mass shooter used a semi-automatic rifle to kill 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The state argues that the guns are a preferred weapon of mass shooters and can be banned because they are similar to military-grade weapons.

Gun rights groups, on the other hand, argue that it is unconstitutional to ban semi-automatic rifles, which are legally owned by millions of Americans. The Second Amendment Foundation’s executive director, Adam Kraut, stated that the Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rifle that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard.

Implications

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case has significant implications for gun rights in the United States. The court has previously upheld some restrictions on gun ownership, but has also expanded Second Amendment rights in recent years. The case is expected to be heard in the fall, and the court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for gun laws across the country.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.