Supreme Court rejects challenge to Illinois assault weapons ban [View all]
Source: NBC News
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined for now to block a new law in Illinois that bans assault-style weapons such as the AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, which has been used in multiple mass shootings.
The decision in a brief unsigned order means the Illinois law enacted in the wake of a July 4 shooting in the city of Highland Park last year that killed seven will remain in effect while legal challenges continue. In a separate case, a federal judge blocked the law, but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has put that decision on hold. The Supreme Court in January declined to block new New York gun restrictions.
The two decisions taken together indicate the justices are willing to give lower courts time to consider the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling last summer that dramatically expanded gun rights. The appeals court also expedited consideration of five different cases challenging the new law. The Illinois Supreme Court is considering a similar case. A local gun ordinance in Naperville, Illinois, that bars assault-style weapons will also remain in effect as a result of the Supreme Court action.
The state law, enacted in January, bans what the state defines as "assault weapons," including the AR-15 rifle, as well as large capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a long gun or more than 15 rounds of ammunition for handguns.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-rejects-challenge-illinois-assault-weapons-ban-rcna83326
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