Supreme Court's Stance on Ghost Guns: A Legal Focus

The U.S. Supreme Court is evaluating a 2022 regulation by President Biden targeting ghost guns. These untraceable firearms have seen increased crime use. The rule mandates kits be treated as firearms under the Gun Control Act, requiring serial numbers and background checks. The court's decision could affirm stricter controls.

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to uphold a Biden administration rule aimed at curbing the spread of ghost guns, which are difficult to trace and increasingly linked to criminal activity. The court's deliberations came as the administration sought to overturn a lower court ruling that the ATF overstepped its authority in regulating ghost gun kits.

Manufacturers and advocacy groups challenged the rule, arguing it unjustly expands the definition of firearms. However, during Tuesday's session, the conservative-majority justices appeared inclined to support the regulation, recognizing the need to classify these kits under existing gun control laws, particularly since they can be rapidly assembled into functional firearms.

Highlighting the rule's importance, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar stressed its role in preventing crime by ensuring that kits and components undergo the same scrutiny as conventional firearms, including the use of serial numbers and background checks. The ongoing debate underscores the nation's struggle to balance gun rights with public safety concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)