Title: Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Assault-Style Rifles and Large-Capacity Magazines
In a recent landmark decision, the Illinois Supreme Court voted to uphold a ban on assault-style rifles and large-capacity magazines. The ban, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, was enacted in response to a tragic mass shooting that occurred in Chicago’s Highland Park suburb in 2022.
Led by Republican state Representative Dan Caulkins, a group of plaintiffs challenged the ban, arguing that it violated the Illinois Constitution by not applying the law equally to all citizens. However, the court rejected this argument, stating that the law does not violate the constitution’s equal protection and special legislation clauses.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his support for the ruling, describing it as a victory for advocates, survivors, and families who have been affected by gun violence. The ban prohibits the sale and distribution of specific high-powered semi-automatic weapons and large-capacity magazines.
Writing for the court, Justice Elizabeth Rochford, a Democrat, emphasized that the law includes exemptions for individuals who complete firearms training while employed in law enforcement, the military, or private security. Additionally, individuals who owned the prohibited guns before the enactment of the ban are also exempt.
The Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling overturns a lower-court judge’s decision in favor of the plaintiffs. Another key argument put forth by the plaintiffs, claiming that the law violated their Second Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution, was not considered by the court.
It is worth noting that separate federal lawsuits challenging Illinois’ gun law are ongoing, with the Second Amendment argument serving as the crux of those cases. However, the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding gun limits in New York has raised the bar for lower courts to uphold new or existing gun regulations.
Although the court’s decision is seen as a positive step in addressing gun violence, the legal battle surrounding gun control is far from settled. As the debate continues, advocates on both sides of the issue eagerly await further clarity and resolution from the federal level.
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