Supreme Court Takes Up "Assault Weapons" Ban + Gun Control Attorney Predicts a Win

A pivotal Supreme Court case could decide whether states can ban certain guns — Everytown Law's Janet Carter explains why she's "cautiously optimistic" bans will survive, despite a more conservative-leaning Court. The case: The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Dec. 2 in a challenge to Cook County, Illinois's and Connecticut's bans on semiautomatic "assault weapons" and large-capacity magazines (the Vera Montes case, among others). The ruling, expected by summer 2027, could determine whether such bans remain legal anywhere in the country. The legal landscape: Seven federal appeals courts have ruled on similar bans post-Bruin (2022) and Heller (2008); six upheld them, one is on hold pending this decision. Carter argues history supports prohibiting especially dangerous weapons even when they're commonly owned, rejecting the "common use" defense gun-rights advocates raise. The core dispute: Gun-rights advocates argue these are standard firearms with features like pistol grips serving legitimate purposes (accessibility, control). Carter counters that features like detachable magazines and rapid-reload capability are designed for combat, pointing to the role of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in all 10 of the highest-casualty mass shootings over the past decade — including the 2019 Dayton shooting (9 killed, 17 wounded in 32 seconds). A signal in the briefs: Carter notes that only 5 Republican senators signed an amicus brief supporting the challengers this time, compared to 25 in the 2022 Bruin case — a drop-off she sees as a signal of weakening political support for striking down the bans. What's at stake either way: If the bans are struck down, Connecticut's and Cook County's laws are invalidated and similar laws nationwide would be jeopardized, likely ending the ability of any government to enact such bans going forward. If upheld, Carter expects more states to pass similar "common sense" restrictions now that the constitutional question is settled. Which way do you think the Court will rule? Leave your prediction in the comments. #SupremeCourt #GunRights #AssaultWeaponsBan #SecondAmendment #CenterSquare #TheStates