Supreme Court Declines Gun Law Challenges in Delaware and Maryland
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to consider challenges to gun regulations in Delaware and Maryland, leaving intact lower courts' decisions that support the states' firearm laws. This move disappoints gun enthusiasts and advocacy groups while affirming states' rights to implement certain types of gun control measures.
In Delaware, a ban on assault-style rifles and large-capacity magazines remains in place. The law, enacted in 2022, aims to reduce mass shootings by targeting semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15. Pre-existing owners may keep their firearms under certain conditions, but new acquisitions are prohibited.
Maryland's stringent requirements for obtaining a handgun license were also upheld. The law requires prospective gun buyers to:
- Complete safety training
- Provide fingerprints
- Pass a background check
Critics argue these demands violate the Second Amendment, while Maryland maintains they enhance public safety.
These decisions align with a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that requires judges to assess whether firearm restrictions are consistent with U.S. historical traditions. Both Delaware's and Maryland's regulations passed this test in the eyes of the judiciary.
Delaware's Assault Weapon and Magazine Restrictions
Delaware's 2022 prohibition on assault-style rifles and large-capacity magazines responds to the increase in mass shootings across the nation. The law aims to reduce high-casualty incidents by restricting weapons often associated with such events, including AR-15 and AK47-type firearms.
The regulation includes a grandfathering clause for firearms purchased before the law's enactment, allowing individuals to retain ownership of such weapons if acquired prior to the legislation. These firearms must be registered under specific conditions, balancing public safety concerns with individual rights.
The Supreme Court's decision not to hear the challenge against Delaware's gun laws may indicate how the court views state sovereignty in firearm legislation, particularly when laws address contemporary challenges while respecting historical precedent. This approach aligns with the constitutional principle of respecting the Second Amendment while acknowledging the evolving context of the Republic.
"Certain lower courts—determined to avoid applying Bruen's text, history, and tradition test—have sought to undermine it."
As other states consider similar measures, Delaware's legislation could serve as a template for localized gun safety regulation that bridges past and present interpretations of gun control laws. This ongoing dialogue between state interests and individual liberties continues to shape the landscape of gun ownership across the United States.
Maryland's Handgun Licensing Requirements
Maryland's handgun licensing regulations prioritize public safety through a structured permitting process. To acquire a handgun legally, applicants must complete safety training, submit fingerprints, and pass a background check. These steps aim to ensure responsible ownership and screen out individuals who may pose a risk to public safety.
Critics argue that these prerequisites impede Second Amendment rights by creating procedural and financial burdens for law-abiding citizens. They contend that the extensive requirements delay and potentially deter individuals from legally owning a handgun.
The Supreme Court's decision to decline hearing this appeal upholds the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which found that Maryland's approach aligns with historic precedents of gun regulation and does not contravene the Second Amendment. This decision underscores the judiciary's current stance on state-level authority in firearm regulation.
Maryland's licensing requirements highlight the ongoing tension between federal constitutional rights and states' powers to legislate for local conditions. As gun legislation evolves with societal attitudes and legal interpretation, this case serves as an example of the challenge in balancing public safety with fundamental rights in a constitutional republic.
Key aspects of Maryland's handgun licensing law:
- Four-hour safety training course requirement
- Fingerprint submission for background investigation
- Up to 30-day waiting period for approval
- Enacted in 2013 in response to mass shootings
- US Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland handgun law. Bloomberg Law. January 13, 2025.
- Feinstein D. Assault Weapons Ban of 2023. United States Senate.
- District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008).
- New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 597 U.S. ___ (2022).