The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on a Biden administration regulation concerning 'ghost guns,' which are mail-order kits that enable individuals to construct untraceable firearms at home. These ghost guns have been increasingly appearing at crime scenes, prompting concerns about their regulation.
The regulation in question, issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2022, mandates that ghost gun manufacturers include serial numbers on the kits and conduct background checks on purchasers. The court is tasked with determining whether the ATF exceeded its authority with this regulation.
During the proceedings, the justices debated the complexity of assembling these kits and whether they should be considered firearms or merely parts. The conservative and liberal justices expressed differing views on the matter, with Chief Justice John Roberts questioning the comparison of building gun kits to working on classic cars.
The lawsuit, known as Garland v. VanDerStok, has brought the issue of gun regulation back to the forefront for the high court. While not a Second Amendment dispute, the case has significant implications for the regulation of firearms.
Advocates of the regulation argue that ghost guns pose a significant threat as they lack serial numbers, bypass background checks, and evade traceability. The Biden administration highlighted the surge in crimes involving ghost guns in recent years, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority, which has previously ruled on gun-related cases, showed a willingness to consider the complexities of this particular issue. Justices raised questions about the definition of firearms, the application of existing laws, and the potential unintended consequences of the regulation.
A decision in Garland v. VanDerStok is anticipated by next summer, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching implications for the regulation of ghost guns and DIY firearm kits.
