The Supreme Court recently upheld a regulation from the Biden administration regarding ghost guns. These are firearms that can be assembled from kits and lack serial numbers, making them hard to trace. The ruling supports measures like serial numbers, background checks, and age verification for anyone wanting to buy these kits online.
In its 7-2 decision, the court noted that current gun laws do allow for the regulation of these kits because they have increasingly been associated with crime. Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighted that while some people enjoy assembling these guns as a hobby, criminals are attracted to the anonymity that ghost guns provide.
Data from the Justice Department shows a significant rise in ghost guns found at crime scenes. In 2017, fewer than 1,700 were recovered, but by 2023, that number jumped to around 27,000.
Interestingly, since the new regulations took effect, reports indicate that the number of ghost guns has either stabilized or decreased in several major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles. The manufacturing of related gun parts has dropped by 36%, which suggests that stricter laws may be making an impact.
Ghost guns have been involved in high-profile crimes, including a mass shooting in Philadelphia that killed five people. Another notable case involved the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, where police suspect a ghost gun made with a 3D printer was used.
The regulation, known as the "frame and receiver" rule, mandates that businesses treat these kits like traditional firearms, meaning they must include serial numbers and verify the age of buyers. Gun rights groups challenged this rule, arguing that most crimes involve regular firearms and that legal home assembly of guns shouldn’t be subject to this sort of regulation. However, the court ruled that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has the authority to regulate items that can quickly become operational firearms.
Justice Gorsuch pointed out that some kits can be assembled in under 30 minutes, making them a quick option for those looking to create a firearm. The justices allowed the regulation to remain while the challenge played out, showcasing the contentious nature of gun control in the U.S.
Historically, the Supreme Court has shifted its stance on firearm regulations over the years. It previously invalidated a ban on accessories like bump stocks and has expanded Second Amendment rights. However, the current ruling indicates a recognition of the need for updated regulations in response to evolving technologies and the rising prevalence of ghost guns.
The debate over ghost guns is just one part of the larger discussion about gun control in America. As gun technology evolves, many experts believe that regulations must adapt accordingly to improve public safety.
For more information, you can follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at AP News.
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Source linkJoe Biden, Donald Trump, Courts, Gun politics, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Government regulations, Supreme Court of the United States, District of Columbia, General news, MD State Wire, CA State Wire, PA State Wire, New York City Wire, NY State Wire, Business, U.S. news, Government and politics, Neil Gorsuch, New York, U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington news, Law enforcement, Clarence Thomas, Los Angeles, U.S. News
