|
The high court agreed to hear arguments in Viramontes v. Cook
County, a case based in Illinois where the Cook County Board
placed a ban on assault-style weapons nearly 20 year ago.
Lawyers for Cook County said the government has a responsibility
to protect citizens from the dangers of assault weapons.
"Assault rifles are the weapon of choice for criminals and
terrorists set on quickly massacring innocents, but are rarely
put to lawful public use," lawyers for Cook County wrote in a
brief to the court.
Lawyers for Cutberto Viramontes, a Cook County resident, argued
the government relies on unclear evidence to justify its assault
weapons ban.
"These are ordinary rifles, not phasers from Star Trek, and
while their muzzle velocity is generally somewhat higher than
other rifles, the bullets they shoot are smaller, leading to an
overall kinetic energy significantly lower than most hunting
rifles," lawyers for Viramontes wrote in a brief to the court.
The Supreme Court's decision to hear this case comes after
several high-profile Second Amendment decisions. The court has
already struck down a law in Hawaii that prevented concealed
carry permit holders from entering private spaces open to the
public, including restaurants and bars, without the permission
of the property owner.
Additionally, the high court allowed individuals to possess
firearms who are classified as "an unlawful user of or addicted
to any controlled substance."
The Court will also hear arguments in Grant v. Higgins, a
similar case, challenging assault weapons bans in Connecticut.
Justices will likely hear arguments in Viramontes v. Cook County
in the fall or early 2027. A decision is expected by June 2027.
|
|
