Supreme Court Declines to Hear Second Amendment Cases, Allowing Gun Control Laws to Stand

The Supreme Court recently declined to hear two significant Second Amendment cases, allowing Maryland and Rhode Island gun control laws to remain in effect. Maryland’s law bans so-called “assault-style” weapons, including the AR-15, while Rhode Island’s law restricts large-capacity magazines.
Left-wing lawyer Janet Carter of Everytown Law praised the Court’s decision, claiming such laws make communities safer. However, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), a pro-Second Amendment group, expressed disappointment, calling the Court’s inaction a failure to uphold constitutional rights. The FPC urged the Trump administration to support gun rights advocates in future battles.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented, arguing the Court should have reviewed the cases. Thomas specifically criticized Maryland’s ban, stating it likely violates Second Amendment protections. Meanwhile, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, while not dissenting, expressed skepticism about such bans and hinted the Court may revisit the issue soon.
The rulings reflect the Court’s recent hesitancy to engage with broader Second Amendment interpretations. Both laws were upheld by lower courts before the Supreme Court’s decision, and legal challenges to similar restrictions continue nationwide.

Published: 6/4/2025