Supreme Court Issues Orders on Gun Cases, Sidesteps New Appeals; Illinois Cases Denied, Justice Thomas Dissents

The US Supreme Court has issued a series of orders affecting gun-related cases. The Court vacated and remanded eight pending Second Amendment cases, primarily involving laws that prohibit specific individuals from possessing firearms, based on the Rahimi decision. However, the Court declined to hear challenges to federal firearm bans for felons and drug users and did not send cases upholding assault weapon bans back to lower courts. The Supreme Court also opted not to add any new gun-rights cases to its agenda for the fall, as it concluded its nine-month term. Illinois cases were denied cert but invited back after final judgment, with Justice Thomas dissenting. Additionally, a number of administrative law cases are going back to the lower courts for reconsideration in light of the Rahimi and Loper Bright decisions.