33 Amicus Briefs Filed in Biggest Gun Case Since Bruin

The U.S. Supreme Court has set December 2 for oral arguments in consolidated cases challenging Cook County, Illinois' and Connecticut's semi-automatic firearm bans — the most closely watched Second Amendment case since the Bruin decision. Justices will hear Vermont v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins together, both challenging bans on semi-automatic rifles and other firearms. Thirty-three amicus briefs have been filed since the date was announced, including from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who argue local governments have authority to regulate exceptionally lethal weapons; a coalition of 27 states led by Tennessee and Kansas, who argue semi-automatic rifles are in common lawful use; a group of members of Congress and the American Center for Law and Justice; and the U.S. Solicitor General, who argues AR-15s are protected arms in common use. A ruling isn't expected until next summer, and the outcome could also affect a separate Illinois case, Barnett v. Raoul, currently awaiting an appeal deadline of October 7.