October 19, 2015

Second Circuit Ruling in Shew v. Malloy

Attorney General George Jepsen today released the following statement on the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upholding Connecticut's gun control legislation that was enacted in 2013:

"Since Connecticut's legislation was passed and this lawsuit was filed, my office has argued that the gun control legislation passed in response to the tragedy in Sandy Hook was entirely appropriate, sensible and lawful. Today, the Second Circuit has upheld the District Court's ruling, and I appreciate the court's well-thought decision, which upholds the prohibition of semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.   

“This decision is deeply gratifying, particularly in light of the terrible events that gave rise to the laws challenged in this case. At a time when many Americans have abandoned hope of government’s ability to address gun violence in our schools and on our streets, Connecticut’s laws – and today’s decision –  demonstrate that willing states can enact meaningful reform to improve public safety without violating the Second Amendment.

"I would like to commend the exemplary work of my staff – most notably, Assistant Attorneys General Maura Murphy Osborne, who argued Connecticut's case at the Second Circuit, and Michael Skold – who deserve enormous credit for today's decision. It was an honor to defend these laws, and my office will continue to do so vigorously should the plaintiffs seek further appeal."

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