Public court records and official announcements

Federal Judge Rules New Jersey's AR-15 Ban Unconstitutional, Upholds Magazine Limits on Tuesday

Jul 31, 2024, 06:15 PM

A federal judge has ruled that New Jersey's ban on the AR-15 rifle is unconstitutional. The decision, issued on Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Peter Sheridan, specifically applies to the Colt AR-15, which the judge noted is commonly owned throughout the United States. However, the judge upheld the state's restrictions on magazines holding more than 10 rounds, indicating that these limits pass constitutional muster. The ruling has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with the New Jersey Attorney General and Second Amendment advocates both planning to appeal different parts of the decision. The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) had sued the state, claiming the statute was unconstitutional. Critics of the ruling argue that it prioritizes gun rights over public safety, highlighting the AR-15's association with mass shootings. The judge cited prior SCOTUS action on guns as a factor in his decision.