CAMDEN, NJ (July 30, 2024) – Today, United States District Judge Peter G. Sheridan issued a decision declaring part of New Jersey’s ban on so-called ‘assault weapons’ unconstitutional in Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC)’s Second Amendment lawsuit Cheeseman v. Platkin. In his opinion, Judge Sheridan held that the “AR-15 Provision of [New Jersey’s] Assault Firearms Law is unconstitutional under Bruen and Heller as to the Colt AR-15 for use of self-defense within the home.” The opinion can be found at firearmspolicy.org/cheeseman.

“Bans on so-called ‘assault weapons’ are immoral and unconstitutional. FPC will continue to fight forward until all of these bans are eliminated throughout the United States,” said FPC President Brandon Combs.

FPC has filed a notice of appeal to the Third Circuit to address legal deficiencies in the Court’s opinion and seek the full relief requested from the district court. New Jersey is expected to file its own appeal. 

The Cheeseman lawsuit is one of dozens of FPC cases challenging unconstitutional laws and part of its high-impact strategic litigation program to eliminate disarmament regimes and restore the natural right to keep and bear arms throughout the United States.

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, YouTube.