Delaware ghost gun ban ruled unconstitutional by federal judge

A federal judge has ruled that Delaware’s ban on “ghost guns” is unconstitutional, marking a significant legal development for Second Amendment advocates. United States District Judge Maryellen Noreika stated that the state's possession ban violates the Second Amendment by targeting untraceable firearms and firearm frames or receivers that lack manufacturer names or individualized serial numbers.

In her ruling, Judge Noreika noted that untraceable firearms constitute “Arms” under the Second Amendment, as they are used for offensive or defensive purposes such as self-defense. She further clarified that firearm frames and receivers are also protected, noting that under federal law, the term “firearm” includes the frame or receiver, making them functionally no different from completed firearms.

The ruling comes amid broader efforts by the Biden administration to classify partially completed firearms as regulated items, a move that has faced various legal challenges.