An example of a typical assault rifle.

A Look Into Your Constitutional Rights!

On November 27, 2017, the Supreme Court denied hearing two Second Amendment cases. In the current social and political arena, gun advocates have sought to remove or limit state control of open carry laws and bans on owning certain firearms. Although the fight is still ongoing, the fact that the Supreme Court denied hearing two cases is a significant setback for pro-gun advocates and the National Rifle Association.

One of the cases coming from the state of Maryland was a challenge to a law enacted in 2013 which banned assault weapons, a response to a Connecticut school massacre.

The language used in the statute prohibits “assault long guns”, firearms which are typically known for being some of the more dangerous guns.

The ability to quickly reload, place attachments onto the rifle, and large magazines are what many government officials and gun control advocates believe adds to the dangerousness of assault rifles.

Guns, Guns, Guns . . .

Although I am not debating whether or not certain firearms are more dangerous than others, it is important to note that as of now, firearm advocates are at a standstill. Since the Supreme Court denied hearing both cases that focused on limiting gun rights, gun advocates have suffered a mighty blow since the lower court’s decision will be upheld. On another note, the fact the Supreme Court did not hear two cases that may have led to a national impact shows that the Court’s interests lay elsewhere. Even if firearms are of no interest to you, your rights are at issue even if you don’t exercise them.

So what if they did not choose it?

It matters! Since the Supreme Court is only able to grant certiorari and hears oral argument on about 80 cases a year out of a staggering 7,000-8,000 petitions, their decisions to accept or deny a writ show what the Supreme Court finds of importance. Both cases carried the ability to reshape the way Second Amendment rights are upheld throughout the country

In addition, the appeal carrier benefits and risks. Gun advocates had concerns that, by challenging the lower court’s decisions, a negative impact could result. If a negative result was issued by the Supreme Court then it could create negative precedent throughout the country, something gun enthusiasts, gun advocates, and all those concerned with supporting Second Amendment rights do not want.

Thanks for tuning in!