The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of a federal law banning gun possession by individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders.
The 8-1 decision, with Justice Clarence Thomas dissenting, confirms that individuals deemed a credible threat to others’ safety can be temporarily disarmed under the Second Amendment. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that laws preventing those who threaten harm from misusing firearms are longstanding and fit within historical practices.
In related news, the Court declined to revisit the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan case, which protects news outlets from defamation suits unless there is “actual malice.” Despite conservative calls to overturn Sullivan, the Court has repeatedly rejected such cases, indicating insufficient support.
Additionally, speculations about potential retirements of justices like Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor have been dismissed, with both justices indicating no plans to step down.
