U.S. Supreme Court Vacates Massachusetts Gun Control Law

On Day 3 of the U.S. Supreme Court's new term (Oct. 5, 2022), Justices tossed a Massachusetts law that denied a firearms license to a man with two misdemeanor convictions.

The 6-3 ruling in Morin v. Lyver dealt a blow to Massachusetts gun control laws that severely restrict the possession, purchase, and carrying of firearms, including when a resident is convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors.

As reported in the New York Post, the high court sent the case back down to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, following up on its June ruling in the New York Bruen case, where justices gave explicit instructions to lower courts on how to better handle Second Amendment rulings.

The Supreme Court’s order was unsigned and included no dissenting opinions.

The petition for a writ of certiorari is granted. The judgment is vacated, and the case is remanded to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for further consideration in light of New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruen, 597 U. S. ___ (2022).

This is just one of what we expect to be many cases striking down unconstitutional laws that infringe on the right to keep and bear arms. The Bruen case may prove to be the most impactful court decision of our generation.

Dean Rieck is Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association, a former competitive shooter, NRA Patron Member, #1 NRA Recruiter for 2013, business owner and partner with Second Call Defense. He is also the host of the Keep and Bear Radio podcast.