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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.
| Filed | Case | Circuit/State | Issue | Summary | Latest Developments | Giffords Resources & Briefs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/14/2025 | Escher v. Noble Dkt. No. 25-cv-10389 (D.Mass.) | 1st Circuit | Minimum Age Laws | Challenge to Massachusetts’ minimum age law for handgun and semiautomatic firearms | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 1/20/2025 | Elite Precision v. ATF Dkt. No. 25-cv-44 (N.D.Tex.) | 5th Circuit | Commercial Regulations | Challenge to federal law banning interstate transfer of handguns from FFLs to individuals | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 12/20/2024 | Mate v. Westcott Dkt. No. 24-cv-1780 (W.D.La.) | 5th Circuit | Non-citizens & Non-residents | Challenge to Louisiana’s non-resident carry permitting law | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 12/17/2024 | Wehr-Darroca v. District of Columbia Dkt. No. 24-cv-3504 (D. D.C.) | DC Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to D.C.’s large-capacity magazine ban | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 11/22/2024 | Young v. Ott Dkt. No. 24-cv-274 (W.D.Pa.) | 3rd Circuit | Minimum Age Laws | Challenge to Pennsylvania’s minimum age law that regulates how 18-20 year olds may transport firearms outside their home | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 11/21/2024 | Shaffer v. Quattrone Dkt. No. 24-cv-1123 (W.D.N.Y.) | 2nd Circuit | Non-citizens & Non-residents | Challenge to New York’s non-resident carry law. | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 10/28/2024 | Ziegenfuss v. McCraw Dkt. No. 24-cv-1049 (N.D.Tex.) | 5th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to Texas’ law banning the carry of firearms in businesses where alcohol accounts for 51% of a business’ sales, racetracks, and sporting events | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 9/27/2024 | Struck v. Platkin Dkt. No. 24-cv-9479 (D.N.J.) | 3rd Circuit | Commercial Regulations | Challenge to New Jersey’s law regulating the purchase of more than one handgun every 30 days | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 7/3/2024 | Clemendor v. District of Columbia Dkt. No. 24-cv-1955 (D. D.C.) | DC Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to D.C.’s assault weapon ban | Complaint and preliminary injunction motion filed, case pending. | |
| 7/2/2024 | Jaymes v. Maduros Dkt. No. 37-2024-31147 (Cal. Sup. Ct.) | California | Commercial Regulations | Challenge to California AB 28, 11% excise tax on retail sale of firearms | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 7/1/2024 | Heeter v. James Dkt. No. 24-cv-623 (W.D.N.Y.) | 2nd Circuit | Other Issues | Challenge to New York’s ban on body armor | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 6/25/2024 | Yzaguirre v. District of Columbia Dkt. No. 24-cv-1828 (D. D.C.) | DC Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to D.C.’s assault weapon ban | Complaint and preliminary injunction motion filed, case pending. | |
| 6/20/2024 | Lei v. City of Philadelphia Dkt. No. 24-cv-2716 (E.D. Pa.) | 3rd Circuit | Other Issues | Challenge 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. | |
| 6/20/2024 | Brown v. Paris Dkt. No. 24-cv-1015 (M.D. Pa.) | 3rd Circuit | Minimum Age Laws | Challenge to Pennsylvania’s minimum age law that regulates how 18-20 year olds may transport firearms outside their home | On 7/29/24, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order, finding plaintiffs had not established that they would suffer irreparable harm. The court subsequently stayed the case pending resolution of Lara. Case pending. | |
| 6/18/2024 | Firearms Policy Coalition v. Garland Dkt. No. 24-cv-565 (N.D. Tex.) | 5th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to federal law that prohibits carrying a firearm at the post office | Both parties have moved for summary judgment, case pending. | |
| 6/18/2024 | Benton v. Platkin Dkt. No. 24-cv-7098 (D.N.J) | 3rd Circuit | Licensing & Registration | Challenge to New Jersey’s permit-to-purchase law | Complaint filed, state has moved to consolidate case with Struck. Case pending. | |
| 5/16/2024 | Neuberger v. Delaware Dep’t of Safety Dkt. No. 24-cv-590 (D. Del.) | 3rd Circuit | Licensing & Registration | Challenge to Delaware’s handgun permit-to-purchase law | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 5/15/2024 | Ortega v. Lujan Grisham Dkt. No. 24-cv-471 (D. N.M.) Dkt. No. 24-2121 (10th Cir.) | 10th Circuit | Commercial Regulations | Challenge to New Mexico’s seven day waiting period law | On 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. Challengers have appealed to the Tenth Circuit, with briefing now complete. Case and appeal pending. | |
| 4/11/2024 | Hoffman v. Bonta Dkt. No. 24-cv-664 (S.D. Cal.) | 9th Circuit | Non-citizens & Non-residents | Challenge to California’s law on nonresident carry | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 1/1/2024 | NAGR v. Polis Dkt. No. 24-cv-1 (D. Colo.) Dkt. No. 24-1209 (10th Cir.) | 10th Circuit | Ghost Guns | Challenge to Colorado’s ghost gun law | The district court denied challengers’ motion for a preliminary injunction, and the challengers appealed to the Tenth Circuit. Case and appeal pending. | |
| 12/19/2023 | Richards v. Newsom Dkt. No. 23-cv-2413 (C.D. Cal.) | 9th Circuit | Commercial Regulations | Challenge to SB 1384, California law requiring security and surveillance systems at firearms dealers | The district court dismissed plaintiffs’ amended complaint, finding plaintiffs failed to state First, Fourth, or Fifth Amendment violations. Plaintiffs had previously withdrawn their Second Amendment claims. | |
| 12/18/2023 | Vt. Fed. of Sportsmen Clubs v. Birmingham Dkt. No. 23-cv-710 (D.Vt.) Dkt. No. 24-2026 (2d Cir.) | 2nd Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to Vermont’s LCM ban and Vermont’s 72 hour waiting period law | The district court denied challengers’ motion for a preliminary injunction, finding Vermont’s law likely did not violate the Second Amendment. Challengers appealed to the Second Circuit and stayed proceedings until resolution of Grant v. Lamont. | Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives filed an amicus brief in support of Vermont. |
| 11/9/2023 | United States v. Prince Dkt. No. 22-cr-240 (N.D.Ill) Dkt. No. 23-3155 (7th Cir.) | 7th Circuit | Firearm Prohibitions | Challenge 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. |
| 9/26/2023 | Carralero v. Bonta Dkt. No. 23-cv-1798 (C.D.Cal.) Dkt. No. 23-4354 (9th Cir.) | 9th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to SB2, California’s newly-enacted sensitive place law. | The district court preliminary enjoined provisions of the law. The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part, upholding the preliminary injunction as to medical facilities, public transportation facilities, public gatherings, places of worship, financial institutions and California’s private property default rule, but allowing all other provisions of the law to go into effect. The court subsequently denied petitions for rehearing and en banc review. Case pending. | |
| 9/12/2023 | May v. Bonta Dkt. No. 23-cv-01696 (C.D. Cal.) Dkt. No. 23-4356 (9th Cir.) | 9th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to SB2, California’s newly-enacted sensitive place law. | The district court preliminary enjoined provisions of the law. The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part, upholding the preliminary injunction as to medical facilities, public transportation facilities, public gatherings, places of worship, financial institutions and California’s private property default rule, but allowing all other provisions of the law to go into effect. The court subsequently denied petitions for rehearing and en banc review. Case pending. | |
| 9/12/2023 | Springer. v. Grisham Dkt. No. 23-cv-00781 (D.N.M.) Dkt. No. 23-2192, 23-2194 (10th Cir.) | 10th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to New Mexico’s executive order restricting guns in parks and playgrounds. | The district court granted a preliminary injunction against the order to the extent it restrict the right to carry firearms in public parks in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The government has appealed to the Tenth Circuit. Appeal pending. | |
| 9/9/2023 | We the Patriots, Inc. v. Grisham Dkt. No. 23-cv-00773 (D.N.M.) Dkt. No. 23-2166 (10th Cir.) | 10th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge 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. The challengers appealed and the Tenth Circuit dismissed their appeal, finding it moot and finding challengers lacked standing to challenge some of the restrictions. The parties have agreed to stay this case pending resolution of Springer v. Grisham in the Tenth Circuit. | Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New Mexico. |
| 8/31/2023 | White v. Cox Dkt. No. 23-cv-12031 (D. Mass.) | 1st Circuit | Licensing & Registration | Challenge to alleged gun license delays in Boston. | Complaint filed, case pending. | |
| 8/14/2023 | National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Raoul Dkt. No. 23-cv-2791 (S.D. Ill.) | 7th Circuit | Other Issues | Challenge 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. |
| 7/28/2023 | Gallagher v. DM Dkt. No. N.Y. 2023-05873 (App. Div. 2nd Dept.) | New York | Other Issues | Challenge to New York’s extreme risk protection order law. | The Appellate Division, Second Department held that New York’s ERPO law is constitutional and reversed the lower court’s decision dismissing the petition. | Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New York. |
| 7/28/2023 | RM v. CM Dkt. No. N.Y. 2023-05418 (App. Div. 2nd Dept.) | New York | Other Issues | Challenge to New York’s extreme risk protection order law. | The Appellate Division, Second Department held that New York’s ERPO law is constitutional and reversed the lower court’s decision dismissing the petition. | Giffords Law Center and Brady filed an amicus brief in support of New York. |
| 7/28/2023 | JK v. JH Dkt. No. N.Y. 23-01059 (App. Div. 4th Dept.) | New York | Other Issues | Challenge 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. |
| 7/12/2023 | National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Lopez Dkt. No. 23-cv-287 (D. Hawaii) | 9th Circuit | Other Issues | Challenge 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. |
| 6/23/2023 | Wolford v. Lopez Dkt. No. 23-cv-265 (D. Hawaii); Dkt. No. 23-16164 (9th Cir.) | 9th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to SB1230, Hawaii’s newly enacted sensitive place law. | The district court preliminary enjoined provisions of the law. The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part, upholding the preliminary injunction as to financial institutions and some parking lots, but allowed all other provisions to go into effect, including the private property default rule. The court subsequently denied petitions for rehearing and en banc review. Case pending. | |
| 6/8/2023 | National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Ferguson Dkt. No. 23-cv-00113 (E.D. Wash.) | 9th Circuit | Other Issues | Challenge 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. |
| 5/23/2023 | National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Bonta Dkt. No. 23-cv-945 (S.D.Cal.) | 9th Circuit | Other Issues | Challenge 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. |
| 5/16/2023 | Novotny v. Moore, Dkt. No. 23-cv-1293 (D.Md.) Dkt. No. 24-1827 (4th Cir.) | 4th Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge to SB1, Maryland’s Bruen response law. | The district court enjoined enforcement of Maryland’s law as to (1) locations selling alcohol for onsite consumption; (2) private property without the owner’sconsent; and (3) within 1,000 feet of a public demonstration. The district court upheld the law’s restrictions on state parks, mass transit facilities, schools, and healthcare facilities. Both parties have appealed to the Fourth Circuit. Appeal pending. | |
| 5/12/2023 | Mcrorey v. Garland Dkt. No. 23-cv-47 (N.D.Tex.); Dkt. No. 23-10837 (5th Cir.) | 5th Circuit | Minimum Age Laws | Challenge 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. | |
| 5/1/2023 | Richards v. Bonta Dkt. No. 23-cv-00793 (S.D. Cal.) | 9th Circuit | Commercial Regulations | Challenge to California’s 10 day waiting period. | Cross motions for summary judgment filed and under advisement by district court, case pending. | |
| 4/28/2023 | Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis Dkt. No. 23-cv-1077 (D. Colo.); Dkt. No. 23-1251 (10th Cir.) | 10th Circuit | Minimum Age Laws | Challenge to Colorado’s minimum age law. | The district court granted a preliminary injunction enjoining enforcement of Colorado’s law. On appeal, the Tenth Circuit reversed, holding that age-based qualifications on the sale of firearms do not implicate the Second Amendment’s plain text and are presumptively lawful. | |
| 2/13/2023 | Georgia Second Amendment, Inc. v. Kemp Dkt. No. 23-cv-24 (N.D.Ga.); Dkt. No. 23-11913 (11th Cir.) | 11th Circuit | Minimum Age Laws | Challenge 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. | |
| 12/22/2022 | Koons v. Platkin, Dkt. No. 22-cv-7464 (D. N.J.); Dkt. No. 23-1900 (3d Cir.) | 3rd Circuit | Sensitive Places | Challenge 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. |
| 11/18/2022 | Williams v. Mcfadden Dkt. No. 22-cv-630 (W.D.N.C.) | 4th Circuit | Licensing & Registration | Challenge 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. The parties ultimately settled the case and voluntarily dismissed it. | |
| 11/18/2022 | Oregon Firearms Federation v. Kotek Dkt. No. 22-cv-01815 (D. Or.); Dkt. No. 23-35540 (9th Cir.) | 9th Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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. |
| 9/29/2022 | Grant v. Lamont Dkt. No. 22-cv-1223 (D.Conn.); Dkt. No. 23-1344 (2nd Cir.) | 2nd Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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 heard oral argument. Appeal pending. | |
| 9/13/2022 | Christian v. James Dkt. No. 22-cv-695 (W.D.N.Y); Dkt. No. 24-2847 (2nd Cir.) | 2nd Circuit | Public Carry | Challenge to New York’s private property default rule. | The district court struck down New York’s law and the state has now appealed to the Second Circuit. Appeal pending. | |
| 9/7/2022 | Capen v. Campbell Dkt. No. 22-cv-11431 (D.Mass.); Dkt. No. 24-1061 (1st Cir.) | 1st Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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. |
| 9/7/2022 | Bevis v. City of Naperville Dkt. No. 22-cv-4775 (N.D.Ill.); Dkt. No. 23-1353 (7th Cir.) Dkt. No. 23-880 (U.S.) | 7th Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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. |
| 9/6/2022 | NAGR v. Lamont Dkt. No. 22-cv-1118 (D.Conn.); Dkt. No. 23-1162 (2nd Cir.) | 2nd Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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 has heard oral argument. Appeal pending. | Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives filed an amicus brief in support of Connecticut. |
| 8/1/2022 | Hanson v. District of Columbia Dkt. No. 22-cv-02256 (D.D.C.); Dkt. No. 23-7061 (D.C. Cir.) | DC Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to District of Columbia’s large capacity magazine ban. | The district court denied a preliminary injunction and upheld DC’s law. On appeal, the D.C. Circuit affirmed the denial of the preliminary injunction, holding the law was likely constitutional. Case pending in district court. | Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of the District of Columbia. View amicus brief. |
| 7/28/2022 | Gates v. Polis Dkt. No. 22-cv-1866 (D. Colo.) | 10th Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to Colorado’s large capacity magazine ban. | The parties stipulated to dismissal of the case. | |
| 7/20/2022 | Delaware State Sportsmen’s Ass’n v. Delaware Dept. of Safety Dkt. No. 22-cv-951 (D. Del.); Dkt. No. 23-1634 (3d Cir.) Dkt. No. 24-309 (U.S.) | 3rd Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to Delaware’s large capacity magazine ban. | The district court denied a preliminary injunction. On appeal, the Third Circuit affirmed the denial, holding that the challengers failed to show they faced irreparable harm if the law was not enjoined. The Supreme Court denied certiorari review. Case pending in the district court. | Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Delaware. |
| 6/30/2022 | Cheeseman v. Platkin Dkt. No. 22-cv-4360 (D.N.J.) Dkt. Nos. 24-2415, 24-2450, 24-2506 (3d Cir.) | 3rd Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge to New Jersey’s assault weapon and large capacity magazine ban. | On cross-motions for summary judgment, the district court held tthe AR-15 provision of the assault weapons ban was unconstitutional, but that the large-capacity magazine ban was constitutional. Both sides have appealed to the Third Circuit. Appeal pending. | |
| 6/23/2022 | Ocean State Tactical LLC v. Rhode Island Dkt. No. 22-cv-246 (D.R.I); Dkt. No. 23-1072 (1st Cir.) Dkt. No. 24-131 (U.S.) | 1st Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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 sought certiorari review from the U.S. Supreme Court. | Giffords Law Center, Brady, and March for Our Lives has filed an amicus brief in support of Rhode Island. |
| 6/3/2022 | Sullivan v. Ferguson Dkt. No. 22-cv-05403 (W.D. Wa.) | 9th Circuit | Assault Weapons & Large Capacity Magazines | Challenge 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. |
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