Hunter Biden’s recent conviction on three felony gun charges has significant implications for an upcoming Second Amendment appeal before the Supreme Court. The case, involving a different aspect of federal gun law, could be influenced by the Court’s decision on whether authorities can restrict domestic abusers from owning firearms.
Legal experts suggest that the pending Supreme Court ruling and Biden’s potential appeal are interconnected. A potential outcome might be a limitation on gun prohibitions to individuals deemed dangerous, which could provide an opportunity for Biden to challenge his conviction.
Biden's conviction, a historic event as the first time a president's child has been convicted of a crime during their father's term, stemmed from his violation of a federal law prohibiting weapon ownership by those considered an “unlawful user of or addicted to” illegal drugs. He was found guilty of lying on a federal form about drug use and possession of a firearm while struggling with addiction.
The Supreme Court case US v. Rahimi, challenging the prohibition on individuals with domestic violence restraining orders owning guns, could impact Biden's appeal. A ruling in favor of Rahimi might provide Biden with legal leverage to contest his conviction.
Furthermore, recent Second Amendment decisions, including the 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, have emphasized the need for gun regulations to align with historical traditions. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in US v. Daniels, questioning the constitutionality of barring gun ownership based on drug addiction, also sets a precedent relevant to Biden's case.
While Biden's case is in a different circuit, his legal team may reference the Daniels ruling to argue against the law's constitutionality. The Supreme Court is expected to address the Rahimi case first, with a potential ruling by the end of the month that could impact pending Second Amendment appeals.
Legal experts anticipate that a broad ruling in Rahimi could signal a more expansive interpretation of Second Amendment rights, potentially challenging existing restrictions on gun possession for individuals with legal issues. The outcome of these cases will likely shape future interpretations of federal gun laws and Second Amendment rights.
