NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey’s ban on AR-15-style rifles and large-capacity magazines was deemed unconstitutional on Friday by a federal appeals court.
In a 10-5 decision, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled New Jersey’s ban on so-called assault weapons is unconstitutional. The court also threw out the state’s ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
The judges said a state cannot ban legal weapons just because it deems them unusually dangerous.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the ruling is as unfortunate as it is legally incorrect and noted that every other circuit court to consider this issue has come out the other way.
Davenport said assault weapons and large magazines play a dangerous role in mass shootings and the state is exploring its legal options from here.
Despite this defeat, New Jersey still has among the most restrictive gun laws in America.
