Legal battles mount against Illinois’ assault weapons ban

Authorized battles towards a brand new Illinois assault weapons ban are mounting. Since Jan. 10, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the “Shield Illinois Communities Act” laws — which bans the sale and distribution of assault weapons in Illinois — the brand new regulation has been hit with a barrage of authorized claims.

CBS Information Chicago reported Wednesday that one such lawsuit represents lots of of plaintiffs from 87 counties. The case’s lawyer, Thomas DeVore, a former Republican candidate for Illinois lawyer normal, argues the ban violates the equal safety clause of the structure, and claims the legislative course of used to cross the ban was flawed.

One other was added to the combo Tuesday when a coalition of 4 gun rights teams, together with the Illinois State Rifle Affiliation, filed a federal lawsuit alleging the ban infringes on the rights of law-abiding residents, courtroom paperwork say. 

“The 2nd Modification is basically about self-defense, and the 14th Modification is about not having our rights infringed. This new regulation makes criminals out of law-abiding residents” stated Richard Pearson, government director of the Illinois State Rifle Affiliation,  in a press release.   

CBS Chicago reported a 3rd lawsuit was filed in Crawford County final Friday.

Along with banning the sale of assault weapons, the laws caps gross sales of high-capacity ammunition magazines, and “switches,” further items that convert handguns into assault weapons. Those that already personal weapons on the banned record can preserve them, however are required to register them inside 300 days, the laws says.

The brand new ban had been debated for years, however it discovered renewed help following the July 4 Highland Park parade capturing through which seven individuals have been killed and dozens extra wounded.  

Whereas attending the World Financial Discussion board in Switzerland, Pritzker stated he’s assured state and federal courts will uphold the bans.

Nonetheless, sheriffs in a number of Illinois counties — together with McHenry, Kankakee, and DuPage — have already stated they won’t implement it, CBS Chicago reported.