Majority of Supreme Court Appears Receptive to Biden Administration Limits on ‘Ghost Guns’

In a significant development, the majority of the Supreme Court justices appeared receptive to the Biden administration’s limits on ‘ghost guns’ during oral arguments on Wednesday. The case in question, known as Garland v. Koch Industries, revolves around the administration’s attempt to regulate the sale of homemade firearms that lack serial numbers or other identifying markers, commonly referred to as ‘ghost guns.’

The Biden administration argues that these untraceable firearms pose a significant threat to public safety, as they can easily fall into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from owning guns, such as convicted felons or domestic abusers. By regulating the sale of ghost guns, the administration hopes to prevent these dangerous weapons from entering circulation and being used in crimes.

During the oral arguments, several justices expressed support for the administration’s position, highlighting the potential dangers posed by ghost guns. Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that these untraceable firearms can be easily acquired by individuals who are legally barred from owning guns, creating a loophole in existing gun control laws. Justice Elena Kagan echoed these concerns, pointing out that ghost guns are becoming increasingly popular among criminals due to their lack of serial numbers.

On the other hand, some justices raised questions about the scope of the administration’s proposed regulations and whether they could potentially infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Justice Clarence Thomas questioned whether the government has the authority to regulate homemade firearms, which are often built for personal use rather than for sale or distribution.

Overall, the oral arguments suggest that the Supreme Court is divided on the issue of ghost guns, with some justices leaning towards upholding the Biden administration’s limits and others expressing reservations about potential Second Amendment implications. It remains to be seen how the Court will ultimately rule on this case, but the outcome could have far-reaching implications for gun control efforts in the United States.

Regardless of the final decision, the debate over ghost guns highlights the complex and contentious nature of gun control policy in the United States. As the Biden administration continues to push for stricter regulations on firearms, it is clear that the issue of gun violence will remain a hotly debated topic for years to come.