By Andrew Chung and John Kruzel
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments regarding the legality of a 2022 regulation issued by President Joe Biden's administration targeting "ghost guns," untraceable firearms that have been linked to a rise in crimes across the country.
The administration is challenging a lower court's decision that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives overstepped its authority in issuing the rule, which focuses on parts and kits for ghost guns that can be easily obtained online and assembled at home.
Plaintiffs, including parts manufacturers and gun owners, have filed lawsuits to block the rule, arguing that it goes beyond what is necessary to regulate firearms. The debate centers around the government's long-standing requirements for firearm sellers and manufacturers to mark their products, maintain sales records, and conduct background checks.
According to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the rise of "easy-to-assemble kits" that allow individuals to build their own firearms at home has created a loophole in existing regulations, making it easier for prohibited individuals to obtain guns. This has led to a surge in crimes involving untraceable ghost guns, prompting the ATF to implement the 2022 rule.
The regulation mandates that manufacturers of firearm kits and parts mark their products with serial numbers, obtain licenses, and conduct background checks on purchasers, aligning with requirements for other commercially produced firearms. The goal is to address the challenge law enforcement faces in tracing ghost guns used in crimes back to their original purchasers due to the absence of serial numbers.
The Supreme Court's decision on this case could have significant implications for the firearms industry and efforts to combat gun violence. The outcome will determine the extent of government authority in regulating firearms and addressing the public safety concerns posed by untraceable ghost guns.
In a broader context, the debate reflects the ongoing division in the United States over gun rights and gun control. With the country experiencing frequent mass shootings and having the highest gun ownership rate globally, finding a balance between individual rights and public safety remains a complex and contentious issue.
The Supreme Court's consideration of the Biden administration's regulation on ghost guns highlights the ongoing struggle to address gun violence and regulate firearms effectively. The outcome of this case will impact the firearms industry, law enforcement efforts, and overall public safety measures. For individuals, understanding the implications of this debate can shed light on the complexities of gun control policies and the challenges of balancing constitutional rights with the need to prevent crimes involving untraceable firearms.