In a significant legal decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Biden administration's regulation on untraceable ghost guns.
According to CBS News, the ruling mandates that these guns, often assembled from kits, must adhere to the same regulatory standards as commercially manufactured firearms.
The ruling delivered this Wednesday by the Supreme Court saw a majority of 7-2, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting. This decision is seen as a reinforcement of the federal government’s authority to regulate firearms more comprehensively. Justice Neil Gorsuch penned the majority opinion, affirming the regulatory scope over weapon kits that can be quickly assembled into operational firearms.
The case centered around the regulatory measures issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). These measures classify weapon kits that can be converted into operational guns in under half an hour as firearms under the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Thus, requiring these kits to meet similar regulatory standards imposed on traditional firearms, which include serial number marking, record-keeping, and background checks.
Before Justice Neil Gorsuch's review of the "Buy Build Shoot" kits, he highlighted their clear distinction from harmless objects, given their functionality as weapons.
Judge Gorsuch elaborated his stance:
"The 'Buy Build Shoot' kits are not reminiscent of mere tools or toys; the name itself is revealing of their function. The kit prompts further examination, and through various considerations, it is firmly classified as a 'weapon.'"
Ghost guns, typically lacking serial numbers, present tracing challenges and are often purchased online through kits and parts. The regulation demands that manufacturers and sellers of these ghost guns obtain proper licensing, imprint products with serial numbers, maintain sale records, and conduct background checks.
This Supreme Court ruling reverses lower courts' decisions that had previously struck down the rule. David Pucino, from the Giffords Law Center, praised the decision, noting that the gun industry has used ghost guns as a loophole to evade stringent gun laws.
Major U.S. cities, including New York and Baltimore, have reported a noticeable decline in ghost gun recoveries since the rule’s enforcement.
The Justice Department emphasized that the regulatory measures have drastically curtailed the ghost gun market over nearly two years. This decline reflects the effectiveness of the strict oversight and requirements imposed on these previously unregulated firearm kits.
Justice Clarence Thomas, voicing the dissenting opinion, argued that the ATF's extended regulatory reach was more expansive than what Congress had authorized under existing laws. He stated that while Congress could explicitly empower ATF to regulate any firearm part or readily convertible object, it had chosen not to stipulate such an expansive scope.
The Supreme Court has previously navigated contentious weapons regulations, including striking down a Trump administration measure to ban bump stocks. This latest ruling emphasizes the court's pivotal role in interpreting and enforcing laws related to gun control and public safety.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Biden administration's rule on ghost guns asserts significant federal authority over firearm regulation. This ruling not only addresses the immediate legal landscape but also underscores the ongoing efforts to tackle gun violence and enhance public safety across the nation. The decision supports stricter controls and monitoring of firearms, with the potential to influence future legislation and regulatory approaches.
