3rd Circuit Rules NJ semiauto rifle and mag bans unconstitutional in landmark gun-rights ruling

A 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals en banc ruled that New Jersey’s assault-firearm ban and large-capacity magazine limits violate the Second Amendment when applied to the full class of semiautomatic rifles, not just the AR-15. The decision, which extends to semiautomatic rifles and magazines over 10 rounds, cites Heller and Bruen in finding the restrictions fail the historical-tradition test and are unconstitutional. The NRA hailed the ruling as a historic victory in a case it has litigated since 2018, while several judges dissented, arguing such restrictions target dangerous weapons states have long regulated. The ruling could reshape state gun-control efforts nationwide and reinforces gun-rights protections for commonly owned firearms.