The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday to uphold a regulation aimed at controlling “ghost guns,” firearms that are largely untraceable. The ruling supports a 2022 rule from the Biden administration that targets the parts and kits used to assemble these guns, which are often involved in crimes.
The court ruled 7-2 in favor of the regulation, which requires manufacturers of firearm kits and parts to mark their products with serial numbers, get licenses, and conduct background checks on buyers. These rules align with the 1968 Gun Control Act, a federal law designed to regulate firearms and prevent untraceable guns from being used in crimes.
The decision, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, overturned a lower court ruling that had found the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had exceeded its authority in issuing the rule. Gorsuch wrote that the regulation is consistent with the Gun Control Act, noting that it addresses the problem of criminals acquiring firearms too easily.
“Ghost guns” are particularly appealing to individuals prohibited from buying firearms legally, such as minors or people with criminal records. These kits, often purchased online, can be quickly assembled at home, and they lack the serial numbers that help law enforcement trace guns back to owners.
Gun safety advocates praised the ruling. “This is a life-saving decision that protects public safety,” said Eric Tirschwell, executive director of Everytown Law, a gun safety group. “We applaud the Supreme Court for rejecting the gun lobby’s extreme legal agenda.”
However, gun rights groups criticized the decision. The Firearms Policy Coalition and the Second Amendment Foundation, along with parts manufacturers and gun owners, filed the lawsuit against the rule. They argued that the rule misinterprets the Gun Control Act and infringes on their rights.
The Supreme Court’s ruling comes at a time when the country remains divided over how to address gun violence, including frequent mass shootings. Ghost guns, which are hard to trace, have become a growing concern for law enforcement.
In his dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas argued that the court’s decision allows the government to “rewrite the law” based on its own interpretation. He and Justice Samuel Alito disagreed with the majority opinion.
The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over gun control in the United States. It strengthens federal efforts to combat the rise of ghost guns and ensures that regulations on firearms manufacturing remain consistent with long-standing laws.
This ruling follows a history of the Supreme Court balancing gun rights with public safety. It also comes after a series of decisions in recent years that have expanded gun rights, but also allowed for certain restrictions.
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