Snope v. Brown (No. 24-203)
Summary
The Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of Snope v. Brown, which concerns Maryland's ban on AR-15 rifles. Justice Kavanaugh issued a statement respecting the denial, noting the importance of the Second Amendment and the 'common use' test established in District of Columbia v. Heller. Justice Thomas dissented from the denial, arguing that AR-15s are 'Arms' protected by the Second Amendment, and that Maryland's ban is likely unconstitutional.
Expected Effects
The denial of certiorari means that the Fourth Circuit's ruling upholding Maryland's ban on AR-15s remains in effect. This maintains the status quo in Maryland, but the issue is likely to return to the Supreme Court in the near future. Other circuit courts are currently considering similar cases, and Justice Kavanaugh indicated that the Supreme Court will likely address the AR-15 issue in the next term or two.
Potential Benefits
- None directly, as the denial of certiorari maintains the existing legal situation.
- Potentially allows for further development of legal arguments in other circuit courts.
- May lead to a more comprehensive Supreme Court ruling on the Second Amendment and AR-15s in the future.
- Provides clarity to the lower courts on how to interpret the Second Amendment.
- Upholds the rule of law by allowing the judicial process to continue.
Potential Disadvantages
- The Maryland ban on AR-15s remains in effect, restricting the rights of gun owners in that state.
- Creates a circuit split on the issue of AR-15 bans, leading to unequal application of the Second Amendment.
- Delays a definitive Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of AR-15 bans.
- May embolden other states to enact similar bans, further infringing on Second Amendment rights.
- Prolongs legal uncertainty for gun owners and manufacturers.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The central issue revolves around the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to keep and bear Arms. Justice Thomas argues that the Maryland ban violates the Second Amendment because AR-15s are 'Arms' in common use for self-defense. Justice Kavanaugh's statement acknowledges the importance of the 'common use' test from Heller in Second Amendment cases. The denial of certiorari does not establish a precedent, but it does allow the Fourth Circuit's interpretation to stand for now.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).