DECEMBER 3, 2024

FPC Makes Final Appeal to Supreme Court in Maryland “Assault Weapon” Ban Lawsuit

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced today that it has filed a reply brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of its petition for certiorari (review) in Snope v. Brown (formerly styled Bianchi v. Brown), the FPC Law case challenging Maryland’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.” The brief, which further underscores why the Court should grant review in the case and overturn the Fourth Circuit’s horribly flawed en banc (full court) decision, can be viewed at AWBcase.com.

“[I]ncredibly, in the sixteen years since Heller every single court of appeals to consider the question has concluded that such bans are constitutional, employing a variety of tests that are uniform only in their failure to adhere to the principles established by this Court. Maryland asks this Court to deny certiorari to allow even more time for percolation, but enough is enough. The lower courts have proven themselves incapable of following Heller’s clear guidance, and this Court should intervene without delay,” the brief argues.

“Our Snope petition presents the ideal vehicle and time for the Supreme Court to address recalcitrant lower courts and make clear that semiautomatic firearms are constitutionally protected, full stop,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “We remain hopeful that the Court will take up this case and end bans on these popular firearms once and for all.”

The Snope case is part of FPC’s high-impact strategic litigation program, FPC Law, aimed at eliminating immoral laws and creating a world of maximal liberty. FPC is joined in the litigation by individual FPC members as well as the Second Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. FPC thanks FPC Action Foundation for its strategic support of this FPC Law case.

Firearms Policy Coalition (firearmspolicy.org), a 501(c)4 nonprofit membership organization, exists to create a world of maximal human liberty, defend constitutional rights, advance individual liberty, and restore freedom. We work to achieve our strategic objectives through litigation, research, scholarly publications, amicus briefing, legislative and regulatory action, grassroots activism, education, outreach, and other programs. Our FPC Law program (FPCLaw.org) is the nation’s preeminent legal action initiative focused on restoring the right to keep and bear arms throughout the United States. Individuals who want to support FPC’s work to eliminate unconstitutional laws can join the FPC Grassroots Army at JoinFPC.org or make a donation at firearmspolicy.org/donate. For more on FPC’s lawsuits and other pro-Second Amendment initiatives, visit FPCLegal.org and follow FPC on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Firearms Policy Coalition

E: media@fpchq.org

P: (916) 378-5785