Third Circuit Declares New Jersey Assault Weapons Ban Unconstitutional

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that New Jersey's bans on assault firearms and large‑capacity magazines are unconstitutional, marking the first time a federal appeals court has struck down such a state restriction. The decision comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to consider whether bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport called the ruling “as unfortunate as it is legally incorrect,” while the National Rifle Association hailed it as a historic victory for gun owners. Legal scholars note the opinion could signal how the upcoming Supreme Court case may be decided and highlight that few gun laws now appear safe from judicial challenge. The ruling affects a landscape where about a dozen states and the District of Columbia have similar assault‑weapon restrictions.