WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 2, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear two significant Second Amendment cases, effectively upholding Maryland’s ban on semiautomatic rifles and Rhode Island’s restriction on high-capacity magazines. The Court’s decision leaves in place lower court rulings that had affirmed the constitutionality of these state laws, marking a notable moment in the ongoing national debate over gun control.
Maryland’s Assault Weapons Ban
Maryland’s Firearm Safety Act of 2013, enacted in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of certain semiautomatic rifles, including the AR-15 and AK-47. The law was challenged by gun rights advocates who argued that these firearms are commonly used for lawful purposes and thus protected under the Second Amendment. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld the ban, reasoning that the prohibited weapons are “military-style” arms not suitable for self-defense and therefore not protected by the Constitution.
Rhode Island’s High-Capacity Magazine Ban
In 2022, Rhode Island enacted legislation banning the possession of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds. The law provided a six-month grace period for residents to comply by modifying, surrendering, or transferring their high-capacity magazines. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld the law, finding that it did not impose a significant burden on the right to self-defense and was consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.
Dissenting Opinions and Future Implications
The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the appeals drew dissents from Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch, who expressed concern that the lower courts’ rulings may infringe upon Second Amendment rights. Justice Thomas, in particular, argued that the bans likely violate constitutional protections and should be reconsidered in future terms. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, while agreeing with the decision to decline the cases, noted that the issue remains unresolved and anticipated that similar cases may be addressed by the Court in upcoming sessions.
Broader Context
The Supreme Court’s refusal to take up these cases comes amid a series of recent decisions that have expanded gun rights, including a 2022 ruling that required firearm laws to align with historical precedents. However, the Court has also upheld certain regulations, such as those targeting “ghost guns” and “bump stocks,” indicating a nuanced approach to Second Amendment issues.
The decision to leave Maryland’s and Rhode Island’s laws intact has significant implications, as similar bans exist in several other states. Gun rights advocates view the Court’s inaction as a temporary setback, while supporters of the bans see it as a victory for public safety measures.
As the national debate over gun control continues, the Supreme Court’s future rulings on related cases will be closely watched for their potential to reshape the legal landscape surrounding the Second Amendment.
