The clock is ticking, and the tension is mounting. Two major gun rights cases—Snope and Ocean State Tactical—have been relisted a jaw-dropping 14 times. The justices haven’t granted certiorari. They haven’t denied it either. It’s like we’re standing on the edge of a constitutional cliff… but don’t be fooled by the silence.
Here’s the truth: this is not over. Not by a long shot.
Granting cert would mean a full hearing—a showdown in the highest court of the land. Denial would leave the states free to keep banning so-called “assault weapons” and standard-capacity magazines. But with the conservative majority on the bench and the landmark Bruen decision of 2022 setting a bold new precedent, it’s highly unlikely the Court lets these cases drift into the black hole of legal limbo.
I believe the Court is gearing up for something bold—and unprecedented.
As the term closes in July, expect the unexpected: a summary decision, delivered with precision and finality, declaring that Bruen already settled this fight. No need to relitigate what’s already law. The Second Amendment means what it says—period.
If that happens? Expect political earthquakes. Liberal lawmakers and their loyal media mouthpieces will be stunned into silence. The ripple effects could redefine the national debate over gun rights.
Brace yourselves. The Court might just fire the next shot in the battle for the Constitution—without saying a single word in court.
It’s very possible for the Supreme Court to decide the re-listed gun cases—Snope v. Brown and Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island—without hearing oral arguments, especially if the justices believe that the 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision provides sufficient guidance.
Understanding Relisted Cases
When the Supreme Court “re-lists” a case, it means the justices are taking additional time to consider whether to grant certiorari (i.e., agree to hear the case). This isn’t uncommon and can indicate that the Court is seriously contemplating the case’s implications.
The Impact of Bruen
The Bruen decision established that any gun regulation must be consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. This ruling has significantly influenced how lower courts assess Second Amendment cases.
In the case of Snope v. Brown, after Bruen, the Supreme Court vacated and remanded the case to the Fourth Circuit for reconsideration. The Fourth Circuit upheld Maryland’s assault weapons ban, leading petitioners to argue that this decision conflicts with Bruen’s framework.
Possible Outcomes Without Oral Arguments
The Supreme Court has several options:
- Grant Certiorari and Decide on the Merits: The Court could agree to hear the case in full, including oral arguments.
- Deny Certiorari: The Court might decline to hear the case, leaving the lower court’s decision in place.
- Issue a Summary Decision: The Court could decide the case without oral arguments, especially if it believes that existing precedents like Bruen provide clear guidance.
Given the significance of these cases and their potential to clarify the application of Bruen, it’s plausible that the Court might opt for a full review. However, if the justices feel that the issues have been adequately addressed in prior rulings, they might choose to resolve the cases without further arguments.
As of now, the Supreme Court has not made a definitive decision regarding these cases. Observers anticipate that the Court may act before the end of its current term in June 2025.
UPDATE; The United States Supreme Court denied CERT on both cases. Only they and God know what they were thinking,
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