En Banc Third Circuit Strikes Down New Jersey’s Semi-Automatic Rifle and Magazine Bans
Summary
On July 17, 2026, the en banc Third Circuit Court of Appeals declared New Jersey's ban on semi-automatic rifles, including the AR-15, and magazines holding over ten rounds unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The ruling in *Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, Inc. v. Attorney General New Jersey*, consolidated with *Cheeseman v. Davenport*, establishes that the "in common use" doctrine applies at Bruen's second step, placing the burden on the government to demonstrate a banned arm is "dangerous and unusual."
Tags
circuit-court
state-law
second-amendment
ar-15
magazine-ban
assault-weapon-ban
bruen-test
in-common-use
