Federal Appeals Court Rules New Jersey's Ban on Semiautomatic Rifles Unconstitutional

A federal appeals court ruled on July 17, 2026, that New Jersey's ban on semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines violates the Second Amendment. This decision marks the first instance in which a federal appellate court has overturned a state ban on assault weapons. The Third Circuit Court reached this conclusion with a 10-5 vote, expanding a previous ruling that deemed the ban on Colt AR-15 rifles unconstitutional. The appeals court determined that the constitutional protection extends to all semiautomatic rifles included in the state's assault weapons ban. The court referenced the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which stated that modern gun laws must align with the historical tradition of firearm regulation. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport criticized the ruling, asserting that it was legally incorrect and that the state acted reasonably in imposing restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The Firearms Policy Coalition, a plaintiff in the case, expressed support for the ruling, calling it a significant victory for gun owners. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing challenges to similar bans in Connecticut and Illinois.