Massachusetts Assault Weapon Ban Draws First Circuit Support

The First Circuit didn’t seem convinced that assault weapons are commonly used for self defense in an oral argument over the constitutionality of a Massachusetts law banning their sale and possession.

“What’s key to this case is understanding whether these arms are actually used for self defense” versus “possessed for self defense,” Judge Julie Rikelman said during oral arguments Monday in the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. “Did you introduce any evidence below that these arms are actually used for self defense?” she asked an attorney for plaintiffs challenging the ban.

“We did not present any evidence ...