SUMMARY
A federal appeals court upheld Maryland's 2013 ban on 'assault-style weapons', rejecting arguments that the law violates the Second Amendment. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that these military-style firearms, including the AR-15 and AK-47, are not protected by the Constitution, citing their unsuitability for self-defense and 'potential danger to society'. The law, passed after the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, also limits gun magazines to 10 rounds. The ruling follows a broader national debate on gun control, especially after a 2022 Supreme Court decision expanding gun rights. Opponents of the ban, including the Firearms Policy Coalition, plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown praised the decision, emphasizing its importance for public safety.
