Opinion
Massive news for Second Amendment advocates! The Supreme Court has announced that it will conference three major gun rights cases on January 10th, 2025. This could be a turning point for constitutional freedoms as we know them. Let’s break down the significance of these cases and what’s at stake.
What’s Happening on January 10?
The Supreme Court is set to discuss the following cases:
- Snope v. Brown – This case challenges Maryland’s ban on AR-15s and other so-called “assault weapons.” These firearms, better described as semi-automatic rifles, are among the most popular firearms owned by Americans today.
- Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island – This case addresses the state’s ban on what anti-gunners label “large capacity magazines,” but which are, in reality, standard magazines for most modern firearms.
- Gray v. Jennings – Out of Delaware, this case involves the standards for issuing preliminary injunctions, which are critical for protecting gun owners’ rights while a case is being decided.
The Justices will decide whether to grant certiorari (“cert”), meaning they agree to hear the case on its merits. This decision requires at least four votes among the nine Justices.
Why This Matters
These cases strike at the heart of anti-gun policies that restrict semi-automatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines, both of which are vital for self-defense and are explicitly protected under the Second Amendment. The Court’s decision could set a major precedent, especially on whether such bans are unconstitutional following the landmark Bruen decision.
Mark Smith, from the Four Boxes Diner, highlights that these cases provide the Supreme Court an opportunity to address anti-gun laws in “blue states” where AR-15 bans and magazine limits are common.
Importantly, as Smith notes, there’s no possibility of a “circuit split” (conflicting rulings among appellate courts) on these issues because such bans don’t exist in pro-gun states.
What to Watch For
Mark outlines two key steps in the process:
- Relisting—If the Justices tentatively agree to hear a case, they may relist it for further review at the January 17 conference. This extra step allows Chief Justice John Roberts to ensure procedural issues, like standing or jurisdiction, are resolved before proceeding.
- Granting Cert – If the Court grants cert, it’s game on. A ruling on these cases could solidify protections for AR-15 ownership and standard-capacity magazines nationwide.
Challenges Ahead
Anti-gun groups argue that the Court should wait for a circuit split before addressing these bans. But as Mark Smith explains, this argument is flawed because gun bans are only enacted in anti-gun states, limiting the scope of appellate court rulings.
The Bottom Line
January 10 could be a big day for gun rights in America. While nothing is guaranteed, the Supreme Court taking these cases seriously is a step in the right direction. As Mark puts it, “The ducks are lining up.” If the Court grants cert, we could see a game-changing decision that reaffirms our constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
Stay tuned for updates, and as always, stay informed and engaged in the fight for your rights. Follow the Four Boxes Diner on YouTube for the latest news and analysis!
Thomas wants to retire. Sotomayor has major health problems. Trump will not be fooled again. 2020 was an education for him. He now knows who he can trust and more importantly who he absolutely cannot trust. The 47 administration is going to be a lot different.
SCOTUS must do their duty, striking down all so-called assault weapon and standard magazine bans. They have ignored bans on ARs for decades, despite Heller precedent clearly protecting AR’s and typical magazines sold with firearms. If the judges continue to ignore these unconstitutional infringements, the court is irrelevant…
Given age and health, it is not unlikely that Thomas and Alito are not long for the court. I fear a following unfriendly president replacing the pair of them. Court would flip in a horrifying manner. Unless it looks almost certain Vance will be #48, might be best for them to both resign at least by 2027. Even that would depend upon 2026 congressional elections – if congress flips blue they could deny confirmation through end of Trump’s term!
Amazing as advances over the last couple years have been – our position remains fragile and we must remain vigilant.
having a court that could read and understand constitution as written would be great, get the government back under control with the people in control
I believe that Biden appointed one.
Also, the most senior of the justices, Clarence Thomas, may very well hang up his robe. Fortunately, there’s Donald Trump to pick his successor. A retirement or two by the lib minority on the court, would be icing on the cake.