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The gun lobby won’t stop pushing its radical interpretation of the Second Amendment in the courts. But we have common sense and evidence on our side, and we’re not backing down.

Our litigation experts track gun safety cases moving through courts across the country to keep you up to date on the latest legal developments. Second Amendment Courtwatch is an in-depth resource on Second Amendment litigation, a fast-evolving area of constitutional law since the Supreme Court’s landmark decisions in NYSRPA v. Bruen in 2022 and in DC v. Heller in 2008.

Our regular updates highlight legal victories for the gun violence prevention movement and detail the gun lobby’s dangerous litigation in courts across the country. We break down the latest developments in key gun policy cases making their way through the courts, tracking the status and deadlines of major cases. Courtwatch is an invaluable tool for those interested in filing an amicus brief, getting involved in a gun safety case, or reporting on gun laws and the Second Amendment

FiledCaseCircuit/StateIssueSummaryLatest DevelopmentsGiffords Resources & Briefs
7/3/2024Clemendor v. District of Columbia
Dkt. No. 24-cv-1955
(D. D.C.)
DC CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to D.C.’s assault weapon banComplaint and preliminary injunction motion filed, case pending.
6/25/2024Yzaguirre v. District of Columbia
Dkt. No. 24-cv-1828
(D. D.C.)
DC CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to D.C.’s assault weapon banComplaint and preliminary injunction motion filed, case pending.
6/20/2024Lei v. City of Philadelphia
Dkt. No. 24-cv-2716
(E.D. Pa.)
3rd CircuitOther IssuesChallenge to Philadelphia’s ban on bump stocks and auto sears.Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit after the City filed a motion to dismiss. Case closed.
6/20/2024Brown v. Paris
Dkt. No. 24-cv-1015
(M.D. Pa.)
3rd CircuitMinimum Age LawsChallenge to Pennsylvania’s minimum age law that regulates how 18-20 year olds may transport firearms outside their homeOn 7/29/24, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order, finding plaintiffs had not established that they would suffer irreparable harm. Case pending.
6/18/2024Firearms Policy Coalition v. Garland
Dkt. No. 24-cv-565
(N.D. Tex.)
5th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to federal law that prohibits carrying a firearm at the post officeComplaint filed, case pending.
6/18/2024Benton v. Platkin
Dkt. No. 24-cv-7098
(D.N.J)
3rd CircuitLicensing & RegistrationChallenge to New Jersey’s permit-to-purchase lawComplaint filed, case pending.
5/16/2024Neuberger v. Delaware Dep’t of Safety
Dkt. No. 24-cv-590
(D. Del.)
3rd CircuitLicensing & RegistrationChallenge to Delaware’s handgun permit-to-purchase lawComplaint filed, case pending.
5/15/2024Ortega v. Lujan Grisham
Dkt. No. 24-cv-471
(D. N.M.)
10th CircuitCommercial RegulationsChallenge to New Mexico’s seven day waiting period lawOn 7/22/24, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, finding that New Mexico’s waiting period law likely did not violate the Second Amendment. Case pending.
4/11/2024Hoffman v. Bonta
Dkt. No. 24-cv-664
(S.D. Cal.)
9th CircuitNon-citizens & Non-residentsChallenge to California’s law on nonresident carryComplaint filed, case pending.
1/1/2024NAGR v. Polis
Dkt. No. 24-cv-1
(D. Colo.)
Dkt. No. 24-1209
(10th Cir.)
10th CircuitGhost GunsChallenge to Colorado’s ghost gun lawThe district court denied challengers’ motion for a preliminary injunction, and the challengers appealed to the Tenth Circuit. Appeal pending.
12/19/2023Richards v. Newsom
Dkt. No. 23-cv-2413
(C.D. Cal.)
9th CircuitCommercial RegulationsChallenge to SB 1384, California law requiring security and surveillance systems at firearms dealersThe district court denied plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion, finding that plaintiffs were unlikely to succeed in their claim that the law violated the Second Amendment. The plaintiffs have since filed an amended complaint. Case pending.
12/18/2023Vt. Fed. of Sportsmen Clubs v. Birmingham
Dkt. No. 23-cv-710
(D.Vt.)
2nd CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Vermont’s LCM ban and Vermont’s 72 hour waiting period lawComplaint and preliminary injunction motion filed, case pending.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives filed an amicus brief in support of Vermont.
11/9/2023United States v. Prince
Dkt. No. 23-3155 (7th Cir.)
7th CircuitFirearm ProhibitionsChallenge to federal prohibition on possession by those convicted of felonies.The district court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss, finding the federal prohibitor on possession by those convicted of felonies to be facially unconstitutional. Appeal pending before the Seventh Circuit.Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of the government.
9/26/2023Carralero v. Bonta
Dkt. No. 23-cv-1798
(C.D.Cal.)
Dkt. No. 23-4354
(9th Cir.)
9th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to SB2, California’s newly-enacted sensitive place law.The district court enjoined provisions of the law and the Ninth Circuit denied an emergency motion to stay. Appeal pending before the Ninth Circuit, arguments held on 4/11/24.
9/12/2023May v. Bonta
Dkt. No. 23-cv-01696
(C.D. Cal.)
Dkt. No. 23-4356
(9th Cir.)
9th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to SB2, California’s newly-enacted sensitive place law.The district court enjoined provisions of the law and the Ninth Circuit denied an emergency motion to stay. Appeal pending before the Ninth Circuit, arguments held on 4/11/24.
9/9/2023We the Patriots, Inc. v. Grisham
Dkt. No. 23-cv-00773
(D.N.M.)
Dkt. No. 23-2166
(10th Cir.)
10th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to New Mexico’s executive order restricting guns in parks and playgrounds.The district court denied the challengers’ motion for a preliminary injunction, finding they were unlikely to show that the executive order violated the Second Amendment. Appeal pending before the Tenth Circuit, arguments scheduled for 9/25/24.Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New Mexico.
8/31/2023White v. Cox
Dkt. No. 23-cv-12031
(D. Mass.)
1st CircuitLicensing & RegistrationChallenge to alleged gun license delays in Boston.Complaint filed, case pending.
8/14/2023National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Raoul
Dkt. No. 23-cv-2791
(S.D. Ill.)
7th CircuitOther IssuesChallenge to Illinois’ Firearm Industry Responsibility Act.Complaint and preliminary injunction motion filed, case pending.Giffords has additional information on gun industry immunity and state victim’s access to justice laws. View policy page.
7/28/2023Gallagher v. DM
Dkt. No. N.Y. 2023-05873
(App. Div. 2nd Dept.)
New YorkOther IssuesChallenge to New York’s extreme risk protection order law.Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New York.
7/28/2023RM v. CM
Dkt. No. N.Y. 2023-05418
(App. Div. 2nd Dept.)
New YorkOther IssuesChallenge to New York’s extreme risk protection order law.Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New York.
7/28/2023JK v. JH
Dkt. No. N.Y. 23-01059
(App. Div. 4th Dept.)
New YorkOther IssuesChallenge to New York’s extreme risk protection order law.Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New York.
7/12/2023National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Lopez
Dkt. No. 23-cv-287
(D. Hawaii)
9th CircuitOther IssuesChallenge to Hawaii’s Firearm Industry Responsibility Act.The district court denied plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion, finding that plaintiffs did not have standing to bring their claims. The parties subsequently entered into a stipulation of dismissal without prejudice.Giffords has additional information on gun industry immunity and state victim’s access to justice laws. View policy page.
6/23/2023Wolford v. Lopez
Dkt. No. 23-cv-265
(D. Hawaii);
Dkt. No. 23-16164
(9th Cir.)
9th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to SB1230, Hawaii’s newly enacted sensitive place law.The district court granted in part challenger’s motion for a temporary restraining order, enjoining enforcement of some of the law’s provisions. The state appealed to the Ninth Circuit and argument was held on 4/11/24.
6/8/2023National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Ferguson
Dkt. No. 23-cv-00113
(E.D. Wash.)
9th CircuitOther IssuesChallenge to Washington’s Firearm Industry Responsibility Act.The district court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss, finding plaintiffs did not have standing to bring their claims.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and Everytown filed an amicus brief in support of Washington.
5/23/2023National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Bonta
Dkt. No. 23-cv-945
(S.D.Cal.)
9th CircuitOther IssuesChallenge to California’s Firearm Industry Responsibility Act.On 2/21/24, the district court granted a preliminary injunction enjoining one provision of the law. The state moved for modification of the injunction and the district court has taken the motion under advisement. Case pending.Giffords has additional information on gun industry immunity and state victim’s access to justice laws. View policy page.
5/16/2023Novotny v. Moore,
Dkt. No. 23-cv-1293
(D.Md.)
4th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to SB1, Maryland’s Bruen response law.The parties have moved for summary judgment. Case pending.
5/12/2023Mcrorey v. Garland
Dkt. No. 23-cv-47
(N.D.Tex.);
Dkt. No. 23-10837
(5th Cir.)
5th CircuitMinimum Age LawsChallenge to federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act enhanced background check requirement for 18-20 year olds.The district court upheld the federal law. On appeal, the Fifth CIrcuit also upheld the law, finding that background check requirements do not facially violate the Second Amendment.
5/1/2023Richards v. Bonta
Dkt. No. 23-cv-00793
(S.D. Cal.)
9th CircuitLicensing & RegistrationChallenge to California’s 10 day waiting period.Complaint filed, case pending.
4/28/2023Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis
Dkt. No. 23-cv-1077
(D. Colo.);
Dkt. No. 23-1251
(10th Cir.)
10th CircuitMinimum Age LawsChallenge to Colorado’s minimum age law.The district court granted a preliminary injunction enjoining enforcement of Colorado’s law. The state appealed to the Tenth Circuit, which heard argument on 5/14/24.
2/13/2023Georgia Second Amendment, Inc. v. Kemp
Dkt. No. 23-cv-24
(N.D.Ga.);
Dkt. No. 23-11913
(11th Cir.)
11th CircuitMinimum Age LawsChallenge to Georgia’s minimum age law.The district court upheld Georgia’s law and the challengers appealed to the 11th Circuit. The 11th Circuit has ordered the case held in abeyance pending resolution of NRA v. Bondi.
12/22/2022Koons v. Platkin,
Dkt. No. 22-cv-7464
(D. N.J.);
Dkt. No. 23-1900
(3d Cir.)
3rd CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to New Jersey’s Bruen response law, including sensitive place provisions.The district court enjoined some of the state’s sensitive place law. The state appealed to the Third Circuit, which held oral argument on 10/25/23. Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center filed an amicus brief in support of New Jersey. View amicus brief.
11/18/2022Williams v. Mcfadden
Dkt. No. 22-cv-630
(W.D.N.C.)
4th CircuitLicensing & RegistrationChallenge to North Carolina’s mental health records check requirement for concealed carry permit application.The district court denied challenger’s motion for preliminary injunction, finding it likely did not violate the Second Amendment. Challengers did not appeal, case is pending in the district court.
11/18/2022Oregon Firearms Federation v. Kotek
Dkt. No. 22-cv-01815
(D. Or.);
Dkt. No. 23-35540
(9th Cir.)
9th CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Oregon’s large capacity magazine ban.The district court upheld Oregon’s law and challengers have now appealed to the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit stayed the proceedings pending resolution of Duncan v. Bonta.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives filed an amicus brief in support of Oregon in the district court. View amicus brief.
9/29/2022Grant v. Lamont
Dkt. No. 22-cv-1223
(D.Conn.);
Dkt. No. 23-1344
(2nd Cir.)
2nd CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Connecticut’s assault weapon ban.The district court upheld Connecticut’s law and challengers have now appealed to the Second Circuit. The Second Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the week of 9/9/24.
9/7/2022Capen v. Campbell
Dkt. No. 22-cv-11431
(D.Mass.);
Dkt. No. 24-1061
(1st Cir.)
1st CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Massachusetts’ assault weapon and large-capacity magazine ban.The district court upheld Massachusetts’ law and challengers have now appealed to the First Circuit. Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives filed an amicus brief in support of Massachusetts.
9/7/2022Bevis v. City of Naperville
Dkt. No. 22-cv-4775
(N.D.Ill.);
Dkt. No. 23-1353
(7th Cir.)
Dkt. No. 23-880
(U.S. Supreme Ct.)
7th CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to municipal assault weapon ban.The district court denied plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion and upheld the city’s assault weapon ban. The Seventh Circuit affirmed the denial of the preliminary injunction, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition for certiorari. Case pending in district court.Giffords Law Center has filed an amicus brief in support of the city. View amicus brief.
9/6/2022NAGR v. Lamont
Dkt. No. 22-cv-1118
(D.Conn.);
Dkt. No. 23-1162
(2nd Cir.)
2nd CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Connecticut’s large capacity magazine and assault weapon ban.The district court upheld Connecticut’s law and challengers have now appealed to the Second Circuit. The Second Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the week of 9/9/24.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives filed an amicus brief in support of Connecticut.
8/1/2022Hanson v. District of Columbia
Dkt. No. 22-cv-02256
(D.D.C.);
Dkt. No. 23-7061
(D.C. Cir.)
DC CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to District of Columbia’s large capacity magazine ban.The district court denied a preliminary injunction and upheld DC’s law. The challengers appealed to the DC Circuit, which held oral argument on 2/13/24. Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of the District of Columbia. View amicus brief.
7/28/2022Gates v. Polis
Dkt. No. 22-cv-1866
(D. Colo.)
10th CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Colorado’s large capacity magazine ban.The parties have moved for summary judgment. Case pending.
7/20/2022Delaware State Sportsmen’s Ass’n v. Delaware Dept. of Safety
Dkt. No. 22-cv-951
(D. Del.);
Dkt. No. 23-1634
(3d Cir.)
3rd CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Delaware’s large capacity magazine ban.The district court upheld Delaware’s law and the challengers appealed to the Third Circuit. The Third Circuit heard oral argument on 3/11/24. Appeal pending.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Delaware.
6/30/2022Cheeseman v. Platkin
Dkt. No. 22-cv-4360
(D.N.J.)
3rd CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to New Jersey’s large capacity magazine ban.The parties have movedfor summary judgment. Case pending.
6/23/2022Ocean State Tactical LLC v. Rhode Island
Dkt. No. 22-cv-246
(D.R.I);
Dkt. No. 23-1072
(1st Cir.)
Dkt. No. 23A1058
(U.S.)
1st CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Rhode Island’s large capacity magazine ban.The district court upheld Rhode Island’s law and the challengers appealed. The First Circuit upheld the district court’s denial of challengers’ preliminary injunction. The challengers have received an extension for the deadline for filing a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Rhode Island.
6/3/2022Sullivan v. Ferguson
Dkt. No. 22-cv-05403
(W.D. Wa.)
9th CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Washington’s large capacity magazine ban.The parties moved for summary judgment. The court granted a motion to stay the case pending resolution of the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Duncan v. Bonta. Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Washington.
6/1/2022Fraser v. ATF
Dkt. No. 22-cv-410
(E.D.Va.);
Dkt. No. 23-2085
(4th Cir.)
4th CircuitMinimum Age LawsChallenge to federal laws that prohibit 18-20 year olds from purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers.The district court granted a nationwide injunction enjoining enforcement of these federal laws, but stayed its order pending the government’s appeal. The Fourth Circuit has held the case in abeyance pending resolution of three en banc Second Amendment cases by the Fourth Circuit. Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of the federal government.
10/27/2021Rigby v. Jennings
Dkt. No. 21-cv-1523
(D. Del.)
3rd CircuitGhost GunsChallenge to Delaware’s ghost gun laws.The court granted in part and denied in part challenger’s preliminary injunction motion. The parties have moved for summary judgment. Case pending.
8/27/2021Viramontes v. Cook County
Dkt. No. 21-cv-4595
(N.D.Ill.)
Dkt. No. 24-1437
(7th Cir.)
7th CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Cook County, Illinois’ assault weapon ban.The district court granted the county’s motion for summary judgment, finding the county’s assault weapon law did not violate the Second Amendment. The challengers have appealed to the Seventh Circuit. Appeal pending.
8/18/2021United States v. Harper
Dkt. No. 21-cr-236
(M.D.Pa.)
Dkt. No. 23-2604
(3d Cir.)
3rd CircuitFirearm ProhibitionsChallenge to federal prohibition on possession by those convicted of felonies.The district court held that the federal law violated the Second Amendment as applied to defendant. The government has appealed. Appeal pending.
7/12/2021Maryland Shall Issue v. Montgomery County
Dkt. No. 21-cv-1736
(D. Md.);
Dkt. No. 23-1719
(4th Cir.)
4th CircuitSensitive PlacesChallenge to county’s sensitive place laws.The district court upheld the county’s sensitive place laws. The challengers have appealed to the Fourth Circuit. The Fourth Circuit has placed the appeal in abeyane pending resolution of analogous state court proceedings. Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of the county.
6/23/2021United States v. Qualies
Dkt. No. 21-cr-176
(M.D.Pa.)
3rd CircuitFirearm ProhibitionsChallenge to federal prohibition on possession by those convicted of feloniesThe district court held that the federal law violated the Second Amendment as applied to defendant.
6/10/2021Palmer v. Lombardo
Dkt. No. 21-cv-268
(D. Nev.);
Dkt. No. 22-15645
(9th Cir.)
9th CircuitGhost GunsChallenge to Nevada’s ghost gun lawBefore Bruen, the district court applied intermediate scrutiny and held that the law did not violate the Second Amendment. After the challengers appealed, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Bruen. The Ninth Circuit thereafter remanded the case for further proceedings in light of Bruen. Case pending.
6/7/2021Worth v. Jacobson
Dkt. No. 21-cv-1348
(D. Minn.);
Dkt. No. 23-2248
(8th Cir.)
8th CircuitMinimum Age LawsChallenge to Minnesota’s minimum age law for handguns.The district court struck down Minnesota’s law and the state appealed. The Eighth Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling, agreeing that the law violated the Second Amendment. The state may seek additional review from the en banc Eighth Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Minnesota.
2/25/2021United States v. Jackson
Dkt. No. 21-cr-51
(D. Minn.);
Dkt. No. 22-2870
(8th Cir.)
Dkt. No. 23-6170
(U.S.)
8th CircuitFirearm ProhibitionsChallenge to federal prohibition on possession by those convicted of feloniesThe district court upheld the federal law and the Eighth Circuit affirmed. A divided en banc court denied further review. The U.S. Supreme Court vacated and remanded the case for further proceedings in light of Rahimi.
1/15/2021United States v. Rahimi
Dkt. No. 21-cr-83
(N.D. Tex.);
Dkt. No. 21-11001
(5th Cir.)
Dkt. No. 22-915
(U.S.)
5th CircuitFirearm ProhibitionsChallenge to federal prohibition on possession by those subject to domestic violence restraining ordersThe district court upheld the federal law and the Fifth Circuit initially affirmed. However, after Bruen, the Fifth Circuit withdrew its prior opinion and issued a new decision finding that the federal law violated the Second Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court granted the government’s petition for certiorari and held that the law did not facially violate the Second Amendment.
12/15/2020Vincent v. Garland
Dkt. No. 20-cv-883
(D. Utah);
Dkt. No. 21-4121
(10th Cir.)
Dkt. No. 23-683
(U.S.)
10th CircuitFirearm ProhibitionsChallenge to federal prohibition on possession by those convicted of felonies.The district court upheld the federal law and the Tenth Circuit affirmed. The U.S. Supreme Court vacated and remanded the case for further proceedings in light of Rahimi.
12/1/2020Bianchi v. Brown
Dkt. No. 20-cv-3495
(D.Md.);
Dkt. No. 21-1255
(4th Cir.)
Dkt. No. 21-902
(U.S.)
Dkt. No. 23-863
(U.S.)
4th CircuitAssault Weapons & Large Capacity MagazinesChallenge to Maryland’s assault weapon banThe district court upheld Maryland’s law, and the Fourth Circuit affirmed. The U.S. Supreme Court vacated and remanded the case for further proceedings in light of Bruen. On remand, the Fourth Circuit ordered the case to be heard en banc, and the en banc court heard oral argument on 3/20/24. After the case was ordered to be heard en banc, the challengers filed a petition for a writ of certiorari before judgment with the U.S. Supreme Court, which was denied.Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Maryland.

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