Maryland's Assault Weapons Ban Upheld by Federal Appeals Court

SOURCE www.npr.org
A federal appeals court upheld Maryland's ban on military-style firearms known as assault weapons, rejecting arguments of unconstitutionality. The law was passed in 2013 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The ban includes firearms like the AR-15 and AK-47. Gun rights groups plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Key Points

  • Maryland's law was passed in 2013 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
  • The ban includes firearms like the AR-15, AK-47, and Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifle
  • The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals majority opinion stated that the banned weapons are not protected by the Second Amendment

Pros

  • Supporters believe the ban will save lives by restricting access to military-style firearms
  • The court ruled that the ban fits within the nation's tradition of firearms regulation

Cons

  • Opponents argue that the ban violates Second Amendment rights as the weapons are commonly used
  • Gun rights groups see the ban as an infringement on their rights and plan to challenge the ruling