Illinois Gun Control Law Upheld by Federal Appeals Court

A federal appeals court has affirmed a contentious gun control law in Illinois that mainly prohibits assault weapons. This decision, made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, overturned an earlier ruling from a district court that deemed the ban unconstitutional.

The law makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, deliver, purchase, or possess assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, although there is a grandfather clause for current lawful owners, who can still keep their controlled items.

The court’s ruling pointed specifically to the law’s impact on AR-15s and 30-round magazines, stating that restrictions on these firearms align with the regulatory values inherent in the nation’s firearms legislation. They emphasized that it is up to elected officials to decide on such regulations.

Chief Justice Michael Brennan dissented, arguing against the ban. He pointed out that banning commonly owned firearms for self-defense goes against the enduring tradition of the nation. In his view, AR-15s and their magazines are protected under the Second Amendment since they are popular choices among the public. He contended that Illinois’ ban is excessive and should therefore be deemed unconstitutional.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who endorsed the law earlier in 2023, praised the court’s decision, asserting that it would enhance community safety and combat gun violence.

State Attorney General Kwame Raoul also hailed the ruling as a victory for public safety, noting the destructive potential of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He expressed pride in the work of his office, which has consistently defended the state’s restrictions on these firearms.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, which is part of the lawsuit, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.