A federal appeals court on Friday struck down New Jersey’s ban on semi-automatic rifles and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, in a landmark Second Amendment ruling. The Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that New Jersey’s restrictions violate the Second Amendment.

Background of the Case

The court expanded a lower court’s ruling by declaring the state’s so-called “assault-firearm” ban unconstitutional as it applied to the full class of semi-automatic rifles, not just the semi-automatic rifle. The National Rifle Association (NRA) celebrated the decision, calling it a major victory for gun owners nationwide.

The NRA has been litigating this case since 2018. Justin Davis, managing director of public affairs for the National Rifle Association, told Fox News Digital that this is a monumental win for the NRA and law-abiding Americans.

Implications of the Ruling

Writing for the majority, U.S. Circuit Judge Arianna Freeman, a Biden appointee, said the Supreme Court’s Second Amendment decisions require governments to show modern firearm restrictions are consistent with America’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. Applying that framework, the court concluded New Jersey failed to meet that burden.

The majority held that New Jersey’s ban on semi-automatic rifles violates the Second Amendment and reversed the district court’s decision upholding the state’s ban on magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

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