Official Supreme Court decision documents and announcements

Supreme Court Temporarily Reinstates Ghost Gun Regulations in 5-to-4 Vote

Oct 8, 2024, 02:29 PM

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in Garland v. VanDerStok, a significant case concerning the legality of the Biden-Harris administration's 2022 regulation on homemade firearms, commonly known as 'ghost guns.' The regulation, issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), seeks to classify self-assembled guns, parts kits, and partially complete firearm frames or receivers as traditional firearms, subjecting them to the same restrictions. The case questions whether the ATF exceeded its authority with this regulation. Justice Barrett and Chief Justice Roberts expressed skepticism towards the challenge, indicating a potential reversal of the 5th Circuit's ruling. General Prelogar argued that the 1968 Gun Control Act would be rendered meaningless if the regulation is overturned, warning that all guns could become ghost guns. By a 5-to-4 vote, the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated the ghost gun regulations as the legal challenge continues. The decision could have significant implications for the Second Amendment and gun control policies in the United States.