The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled unanimously against Philadelphia's attempt to impose stricter firearms regulations than those permitted under state law. The court's decision, delivered on November 21, 2024, upheld a lower court's dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the city, family members of gun violence victims, and the nonprofit group CeaseFirePA. The justices, in a 6-0 ruling, stated that Philadelphia's arguments fell 'woefully short' of the legal standard required for a victory. This ruling represents a significant setback for city leaders seeking to address gun violence through local legislation. Gun rights advocates celebrated the decision, emphasizing the court's affirmation of Pennsylvania's firearms preemption law, which prohibits local governments from enacting their own gun control measures. Justice Kevin Brobson acknowledged the serious issue of gun violence in the state but maintained that the ruling was necessary to uphold existing laws.
Justice Kevin Brobson wrote that “a serious problem exists in this Commonwealth relative to gun violence.” https://t.co/4lzXQGxhat
The court made clear that the City of Brotherly Love's argument doesn't fly. https://t.co/4lzXQGxhat
The court upheld a lower court's ruling against a lawsuit that Philadelphia filed along with gun control activists that charged the state’s firearms preemption laws, or FPLs were unconstitutional. https://t.co/4lzXQGxhat