The US Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to decide whether bans on semi-automatic rifles, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment. The justices will consider whether Americans have a constitutional right to own these firearms, such as the AR-15.
The court will hear appeals challenging bans implemented in Connecticut and the Chicago area, including specific challenges to assault-weapons bans in Cook County, Illinois.
Attorneys for the challenged states argue that these firearms are similar to military-grade weapons and are a preferred weapon of mass shooters, meaning they can be banned under the Constitution. While popular among gun enthusiasts, these weapons have also been used in high-profile mass killings.
A Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will now determine if these state and local government bans are constitutional.