Supreme Court reinstates Biden's ghost gun regulations

Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.

Published: August 8, 2023 1:05pm

Updated: August 8, 2023 1:27pm

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated the Biden administration's restrictions on "ghost guns," or firearms without serial numbers. The decision came in a 5-4 emergency ruling.

The justices paused a lower court ruling that invalidated the nationwide restrictions as the administration appeals a ruling from a Texas-based federal judge to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. 

Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.

The executive branch's rule issued last year changes the definition of a firearm under federal law to include unfinished parts so it can be more easily tracked, The Associated Press reported. The rule does not ban the purchase of gun kits or firearms.

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