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Rare Breed Trigger Court Update – Did Rare Breed Triggers Win a Lawsuit? Analyzing the Legal Battle
Background on the Lawsuit – rare breed trigger court update
New Jersey’s Assault Weapons Ban
Rare Breed Triggers produces aftermarket trigger components designed to lighten and improve the trigger pull on AR-15 style rifles. In 2019, New Jersey passed a law banning the sale and possession of firearm parts categorized as “assault weapons.” This included trigger components like those produced by Rare Breed Triggers. rare breed trigger court update
Rare Breed Files a Lawsuit
In response, Rare Breed filed a lawsuit against New Jersey in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the state’s ban. They argued that the law violated the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The company claimed their trigger components were protected firearms accessories under the law.
The Lawsuit Proceeds Through the Courts
The District Court Ruling
The case was first heard in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. In 2020, the court ruled in favor of New Jersey, upholding the state’s assault weapons ban.
The Appeals Court Hearing
Rare Breed Triggers appealed the decision to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2021, the appeals court heard oral arguments from both sides.
The Ruling: A Partial Victory
Upholding the Assault Weapons Ban
In June 2021, the 3rd Circuit issued its ruling. The judges agreed New Jersey could ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines.
Striking Down the Trigger Ban
However, the court determined the state’s definition of a banned “assault firearm” was overly broad. It ruled New Jersey failed to prove how simple trigger components from Rare Breed Triggers could turn a semi-automatic rifle into an assault weapon.
Analysis: Was it an Overall Win?
A Strategic Victory
While Rare Breed Triggers did not succeed in fully overturning New Jersey’s assault weapons ban, the 3rd Circuit’s ruling can be considered a partial legal victory for the company.
A Balanced Outcome
The lawsuit was not an outright win or loss for either side. It was a nuanced legal victory that only partially fulfilled Rare Breed’s initial goals.
