Massachusetts’ assault weapons ban faces legal test

Oct. 8, 2024, 6:33 PM UTC

A MASSACHUSETTS BAN on assault weapons is under scrutiny from a federal circuit court this week, though the court didn’t seem convinced by plaintiffs’ argument that they’re commonly used for self defense.

  • “What’s key to this case is understanding whether these arms are actually used for self defense” versus “possessed for self defense,” Judge Julie Rikelman said during oral arguments Monday in the First Circuit. “Did you introduce any evidence below that these arms are actually used for self defense?” she asked an attorney for plaintiffs challenging the ban.
  • An attorney for the plaintiffs, which include the NRA, said ...

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