Washington Gun Law

Landmark Day for Second Amendment Rights: Key Legal Battles to Shape Gun Laws

Video Highlights

  • Two major legal battles set to be argued on June 29th: Mock v. Garland and Harold v. Raul.
  • Mock v. Garland challenges the ATF's pistol brace rule, asserting multiple constitutional deficiencies.
  • Predictions favor plaintiffs prevailing in Mock v. Garland, potentially leading to the striking down of the pistol brace rule.
  • Harold v. Raul challenges Illinois' assault weapon ban and magazine capacity ban.
  • Anticipated outcome is the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upholding Illinois' bans, likely paving the way for a Supreme Court review.
  • No immediate rulings expected, with decisions likely to come later in the summer.

Video Summary


June 29th, 2023, is poised to become a pivotal day in the annals of Second Amendment history as two high-stakes legal battles make their way through the federal courts. With the potential to reshape gun laws and impact the rights of lawful gun owners across the nation, these cases demand attention and scrutiny. The outcomes of Mock v. Garland and Harold v. Raul hold the key to determining the future course of Second Amendment rights in the United States.

Mock v. Garland: Challenging the Pistol Brace Rule At the heart of Mock v. Garland lies the controversial pistol brace rule implemented by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Plaintiffs argue that the rule, officially known as Firearms with Attached Stabilizing Braces Rule 2021r-08f, suffers from multiple constitutional deficiencies. While a nationwide injunction request was denied, several gun owners currently benefit from injunctive relief. Legal experts and analysts predict a favorable outcome for the plaintiffs in this case, pointing to potential grounds based on constitutional and administrative procedural acts. The oral arguments for Mock v. Garland are scheduled to be heard on June 29th at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Harold v. Raul: A Challenge to Illinois' Bans Simultaneously, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, Illinois, will hear Harold v. Raul, a case that challenges two bans imposed by the state. First on the docket is Illinois' assault weapon ban, which was rapidly transformed from what initially appeared to be an innocuous piece of insurance legislation into a comprehensive assault weapon ban. The second ban under scrutiny is Illinois' magazine capacity restriction, which prohibits magazines exceeding 10 rounds. Gun law observers have closely followed the developments surrounding these bans, highlighting the potential impact they may have on citizens' rights. While predictions lean toward the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the bans, concerns are raised about the reasoning behind such a decision, echoing a similar case in Washington State. If the Seventh Circuit rules in favor of Illinois' bans, it could increase the likelihood of these cases reaching the Supreme Court, possibly as early as next year.

Outcomes and Implications: Although definitive rulings are not expected on June 29th, the decisions in both Mock v. Garland and Harold v. Raul will carry significant weight and reverberate through the legal landscape. A victory for the plaintiffs in Mock v. Garland could lead to the invalidation of the ATF's pistol brace rule, relieving gun owners from its regulatory burden. On the other hand, if the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upholds Illinois' bans in Harold v. Raul, it would solidify the authority of states to impose strict gun control measures, potentially emboldening other jurisdictions to follow suit.

Conclusion: As the Second Amendment faces some of its most crucial challenges in recent years, June 29th, 2023, stands out as a momentous day in the ongoing battle over gun rights. The outcome of the legal battles in Mock v. Garland and Harold v. Raul could significantly shape the rights and liberties of gun owners across the United States. While immediate rulings are not expected, the decisions rendered later in the summer will undoubtedly impact the future trajectory of Second Amendment jurisprudence. As the cases progress, it remains imperative for all gun owners to stay informed about the law and its implications, ensuring that they exercise their rights responsibly and within the boundaries of the evolving legal framework.