All articles tagged with #third circuit
A Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled New Jersey's assault-weapons ban unconstitutional, marking the first federal appellate decision to strike down such bans under the Second Amendment and signaling potential Supreme Court influence as Bruen-related cases proceed; New Jersey says it will review options while lawmakers consider tighter restrictions.
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.
A unanimous Third Circuit ruling found Philadelphia lacks authority to curate the President’s House exhibit at Independence Mall, paving the way for the Trump administration to replace the slavery panels with its own materials; the decision ends a city-led effort to restore the original exhibit amid ongoing debates over how slavery should be depicted at federal sites.
Federal judges on the Third Circuit refused to review Mahmoud Khalil’s challenge to where his constitutional claims should be heard in his deportation case, a decision that leaves the venue dispute unresolved; Khalil’s lawyers say they will petition the Supreme Court for review, warning the ruling could affect civil liberties for noncitizens.
New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver plans to appeal a three‑count indictment over an incident outside a May ICE detention facility, arguing the Constitution’s speech or debate clause shields lawmakers from prosecution for acts tied to their official duties. The appeal to the 3rd Circuit could redefine the scope of congressional immunity after a judge previously declined to dismiss two counts, with prosecutors contesting the immunity argument.
A three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit ruled that Mahmoud Khalil must pursue his challenge to deportation in immigration court rather than federal court, potentially delaying relief and leaving room for re-detention. Khalil, a legal permanent resident and recent Columbia graduate, has been detained in Louisiana since March as the Trump administration pressed removal on multiple grounds. The ruling narrows review avenues, with Khalil exploring further options such as an en banc review, while the administration touts the decision as vindicating its detention authority.
The Senate confirmed Emil Bove to the Third Circuit despite allegations from three whistleblowers and Democratic opposition, with Republicans largely supporting the nomination and concerns raised about Bove's impartiality and past actions.
President Trump announced his intention to nominate Emil Bove, a former defense lawyer and Justice Department official known for aggressive immigration enforcement, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, a move that is expected to face unanimous opposition from Democrats in the Senate.