The Supreme Court has ordered that the 11th Circuit reconsider a significant case. The case is about gun ownership under the precedent set by United States v. Rahimi. The court did not challenge federal law that prohibits felons from possessing firearms. However, it brought up the issue of felons’ Second Amendment rights in the context of firearm ownership.
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal challenging a federal law prohibiting felons from owning firearms. This decision involved Lorenzo Garod Pierre, who filed an appeal challenging the 11th Circuit is decision. The Supreme Court did not provide explicit reasons for its decision but vacated the 11th Circuit’s ruling, calling for reconsideration in light of the United States v. Rahimi case.
This move shifts the responsibility back to the lower courts, focusing them on the new legal framework established by Rahimi, which recognizes that those under domestic violence restraining orders can legally be barred from possessing firearms without violating the Second Amendment.
And it was never challenged in court because it had a 10 year sunset clause. Since then, The Supreme Court has held, "the Second Amendment extends, prima facie, to all instruments that constitute bearable arms". pic.twitter.com/2Ycwj6XD82
— 2ATexan (@2ndATexan) October 28, 2024
Court’s Reference to Rahimi Case
In the United States v. Rahimi, the court upheld a law preventing firearm possession by individuals under domestic violence restraining orders, determining it as constitutional. Pierre’s case challenges this interpretation, bringing attention to a broader legal debate. The district court and the 11th Circuit had previously upheld Pierre’s conviction, arguing that it was grounded in firm precedent.
The focus on Rahimi points to the modern judiciary’s evolving interpretation of the Second Amendment. Pierre’s argument linked his case to the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, contending that his constitutional rights were infringed by the federal ban.
This is straight from the decision. Has nothing to do with anything I believe.
Heller listed what, 3 limited exceptions where the majority of the court believed that restrictions were permitted? No guns for felons or the mentally ill, said guns could be banned in specific
— Kiss_Tom's_Ass (@Kiss_Toms_Ass) October 27, 2024
A Divergent Interpretation Across Courts
The Pierre case illustrates the divisive interpretation of gun rights for felons across federal circuits. The 11th Circuit categorically excludes all felons from Second Amendment protections, whereas the Seventh and Ninth Circuits allow for “as-applied” challenges, considering individual circumstances. This divide creates varied protections depending on jurisdiction and highlights significant legal uncertainty.
U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar had advised the Supreme Court to revisit the 11th Circuit’s decision based on Rahimi’s legal standards. The Supreme Court has also previously remanded similar judgments for reevaluation in light of new case law, signaling a continued examination of how gun possession laws interact with Second Amendment rights.
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