The ruling is the first by a federal appeals court to find a state assault weapons ban unconstitutional, as the Supreme Court weighs similar cases.
On Friday, the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that New Jersey's ban on semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15 and magazines holding more than 10 rounds violates the Second Amendment.
Ten of the court's 15 judges invalidated the provisions in consolidated challenges brought by the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, individual gun owners, and the Firearms Policy Coalition.
The majority wrote that "the many millions of semi-automatic rifles in circulation for lawful purposes are plainly in common use," rejecting New Jersey's argument that such firearms are unprotected accessories.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport criticized the decision, calling it "as unfortunate as it is legally incorrect," while stating the state is "considering our options" for further review.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear similar challenges to bans in Illinois and Connecticut, this ruling deepens a growing divide over gun regulations following the 2022 Bruen decision.