DOJ Files Amicus Brief Supporting NRA-Backed Challenge to New Jersey’s Ban on “Assault Firearms” and “Large-Capacity Magazines”

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an amicus brief in Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs v. Platkin—an NRA-backed challenge to New Jersey’s ban on so-called “assault firearms” and “large-capacity magazines.”

On July 30, 2024, the district court held the “assault firearm” ban unconstitutional, but limited its ruling only to the Colt AR-15, and upheld the ban on magazines that hold over 10 rounds.

All parties appealed to the Third Circuit. After oral argument, but before the three-judge panel issued a decision, the Third Circuit sua sponte decided to rehear the case en banc. Oral arguments before the en banc court are scheduled for October 15, 2025.

The DOJ’s brief in support of our challenge argues that the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms for any lawful purpose, not only self-defense or sporting purposes. Moreover, the Second Amendment protects all arms that are “in common use” for those lawful purposes. Thus, the brief explains, the state’s ban on overwhelmingly popular firearms—such as the AR-15—and standard 10+ round magazines is flagrantly unconstitutional.

Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org for future updates on NRA-ILA’s ongoing efforts to defend your constitutional rights, and please visit www.nraila.org/litigation to keep up to date on NRA-ILA’s ongoing litigation efforts.