Ghost Guns: Michigan AG Nessel's Legal Battle for Common Sense

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Michigan AG Dana Nessel joins 24 attorneys general in urging the Supreme Court to uphold ghost gun regulations, aiming to close a dangerous loophole in gun laws.
This article, with the help of AI, offers a detailed and snarky analysis of official news releases, enhancing quality and accuracy. #GhostGunRegulation

Nessel’s Ghost Gun Gambit: Legal Drama at the Supreme Court

In a legal twist that would make any courtroom drama fan swoon, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has thrown her weight behind a federal rule to regulate ghost guns. These untraceable weapons, often assembled from kits, are slipping through legal cracks faster than a magician's trick. On July 3, 2024, Nessel joined 24 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold this rule. The stakes? Ensuring all firearms, even DIY ones, follow the same legal playbook.

The Usual Legal Eagles: Nessel and Her Allies

Dana Nessel, Michigan’s top legal eagle since 2019, is no stranger to high-profile cases. Teaming up with 24 attorneys general from states like New York, California, and New Jersey, she’s on a mission. These legal heavyweights are united in their belief that ghost guns are a public menace. Leading the charge alongside Nessel are the AGs from the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, forming a formidable coalition against these invisible threats.

The Ghostly Menace: Why Ghost Guns Matter

Ghost guns, for the uninitiated, are firearms that can be made at home from kits. They lack serial numbers, making them the perfect tool for anyone wanting to dodge legal scrutiny. Nessel and her colleagues argue that these weapons pose a significant threat to public safety. The ease with which these guns can be assembled means even those prohibited from owning firearms can easily get their hands on one.

ATF’s Final Rule: A Common-Sense Approach

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a Final Rule to close this dangerous loophole. The rule clarifies that the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) covers the key components of ghost guns, such as kits and incomplete frames and receivers. This doesn’t mean an outright ban on gun kits. Instead, it subjects these kits to the same regulations as traditionally manufactured firearms, including serial number and background check requirements.

Courtroom Controversy: The Legal Battle Unfolds

The plot thickened when the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit struck down the ATF’s rule, calling it an overreach of the GCA. Despite this, the rule remains in effect pending the Supreme Court’s review in Garland v. VanDerStok. Nessel and her coalition argue that the Fifth Circuit's decision is flawed and that upholding the rule is crucial for public safety. They maintain that the rule aligns perfectly with the GCA's text, history, and purpose.

Mixed Reactions: Applause and Skepticism

Supporters of the rule praise Nessel and her colleagues for their stance, seeing it as a necessary step towards reducing gun violence. Critics, however, accuse them of overstepping legal boundaries and infringing on gun rights. This legal tug-of-war has ignited fierce debates on both sides. Yet, Nessel remains resolute, emphasizing the need for all firearms to meet the same legal standards.

The Final Verdict: Awaiting Supreme Court’s Decision

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Garland v. VanDerStok, the future of ghost gun regulations hangs in the balance. Nessel and her allies are hopeful that the highest court will uphold the ATF’s rule. This case is more than just a legal battle—it’s a fight for common sense and public safety. With the potential to set a precedent, the outcome could shape the landscape of gun control for years to come.

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