Key facts
- A federal appeals court has ruled New Jersey's ban on assault firearms and magazines holding more than 10 rounds unconstitutional.
- The court found the ban violates the Second Amendment's protection of the right to keep and bear arms.
- This is the first time a federal appeals court has struck down a state's assault weapons ban.
- New Jersey's Attorney General stated the decision is legally incorrect and the state is considering its options.
A federal appeals court has ruled that New Jersey's law banning assault firearms and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds is unconstitutional, violating the Second Amendment. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stated that the ban infringes upon the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense. This ruling marks the first instance of a federal appeals court finding a state's assault weapons ban unconstitutional. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport called the decision "legally incorrect" and indicated the state is considering its options, noting that other federal circuits have ruled differently. The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action hailed the ruling as a victory for the Second Amendment.