Viramontes v. Cook County
| Viramontes v. Cook County | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Full case name | Cutberto Viramontes, et al. v. Cook County, Illinois, et al. |
| Docket nos. | 25-238 25-566 |
| Questions presented | |
| Whether the Second and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee the right to possess AR-15 platform and similar semiautomatic rifles. | |
Viramontes v. Cook County (Docket 25–238) (consolidated with Grant v. Higgins) is a pending United States Supreme Court case related to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Background
Various jurisdictions in the United States, including Cook County, Chicago, and Connecticut, ban private possession and sales of AR-15-pattern rifles. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.[1] In McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010), the Court held that the Second Amendment right is fully applicable to the States.[2] In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2022), the Court held that when the Second Amendment's plain text covers an individual's conduct, the Constitution presumptively protects that conduct, and the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with the Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation.[3] Following Bruen, lower courts have reached conflicting rulings on whether bans on AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rifles are consistent with Second Amendment protection. The Second and Seventh Circuits upheld the bans. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant review places the question before the Court in the upcoming October Term 2026.[4]
Supreme Court
Certiorari was granted in the case on June 30, 2026.
References
- ↑ District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008) (syllabus).
- ↑ McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 (2010).
- ↑ New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, 597 U.S. 1 (2022).
- ↑ Howe, Amy (June 30, 2026). "Court grants several new cases, including on whether the Second Amendment protects possession of semiautomatic rifles". SCOTUSblog. Retrieved August 19, 2026.