Chicago's top legal officer has thrown his weight behind Massachusetts, joining a group of 18 attorneys general in a filing that backs the state's stringent gun laws. Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his counterparts are urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit to uphold a ban on the sale and possession of assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines (LCMs) that the state has had in place for years. The coalition is steadfast in its belief that these laws are crucial for the safety and protection of communities.
In a bold move to strengthen gun control, Raoul stated, "States should be able to protect residents and communities by upholding laws that restrict the sale and possession of assault weapons and large-capacity weapons." The stand represents a continued commitment to tackling the contentious issue of gun violence head-on. The supporting brief filed by Raoul and the coalition contends that Massachusetts' gun laws do not infringe upon the Second Amendment, as according to them, assault weapons and LCMs are not suitable for self-defense and thus not under its protection.
Within the amicus brief, Raoul and the coalition detail their argument, saying states have the historical right to impose restrictions on weapons that pose a significant threat to public safety. This right extends to regulating accessories and ammunition deemed dangerous. Massachusetts' ban on assault weapons aligns with a long-standing tradition of states stepping in to regulate when it comes to weapons that are seen as particularly harmful or unusual.
The coalition, which spans from the West Coast to the East, represents a united front on gun control with support from such states as California, New York, and New Jersey. These states are behind Massachusetts in its move to not only greatly limit but to actively shape responsible gun ownership laws. "I will continue to collaborate with fellow attorneys general who prioritize public safety by defending commonsense gun safety measures," Raoul affirmed, signaling a continued resolve to further curb the availability of certain types of firearms. Each member of this legal conglomerate is standing firm on the issue, maintaining that powerful firearms and the components that increase their lethality have no place on the streets.
The legal backing from the 18 attorneys general comes as a response to the rising call for better gun laws across the nation, overridden by an epidemic of gun violence that has spurred policymakers to seek new solutions. The decision of the 1st Circuit Court in this case could prove to be a landmark one, potentially reshaping the landscape of gun legislation in America.
For further information on Attorney General Raoul's amicus brief and statements, visit Illinois Attorney General's Office.
