Legal Showdown Looms Over Suppressor Bans & 2nd Amendment Rights: Carlin Anderson vs. Kwame Raoul

Editor’s Note: Judge Stephen McGlynn is currently presiding over several consolidated cases challenging Illinois’ “assault weapons” ban, including Harrel v. Raoul, Barnett v. Raoul, Langley v. Kelly, and Foster v. Raoul. These cases collectively question the constitutionality of the state’s restrictions on firearms and large-capacity magazines under the Second Amendment.

Additionally, Judge McGlynn is overseeing Carlin Anderson vs. Kwame Raoul, referenced below, which challenges Illinois’ ban on suppressors. The outcome of this case holds significant implications for gun rights advocates nationwide, particularly regarding the legal status of suppressors as protected “arms.”

The ongoing battle for Second Amendment rights took center stage in the courtroom once again in the 2nd Amendment challenge to Illinois’ assault weapons ban.  However, as that case proceeds, Mark Smith notes some of the takeaways that may impact the upcoming case of Carlin Anderson vs. Kwame Raoul.

At the heart of the 2nd case, Carlin Anderson vs. Kwame Raoul is the legal conflict of Illinois’ ban on suppressors—a critical piece of legislation that has ignited passionate debates about its constitutionality. The implications of this case extend far beyond state lines, with the potential to set a precedent in suppressor regulation across the country. U.S. District Court Judge Stephen McGlynn’s courtroom has become a pivotal battleground in determining whether these firearms accessories, often demonized by big Hollywood and anti-gun advocates, fall under the protection of the Second Amendment.

Judge McGlynn’s Connection of the Dots

Mark Smith of the “Four Boxes Diner” YouTube channel highlighted a significant development in the Anderson case, noting that Judge McGlynn’s remarks during the Illinois assault weapons ban trial suggest a profound understanding of firearm technology and its role in self-defense. McGlynn’s observations, backed by expert testimony, underscored that suppressors, which protect hearing during firearm use, serve a critical safety function rather than posing a public threat. In fact, Smith connected the judge’s discourse on suppressors to the common-use test established by the Supreme Court, pointing out that suppressors improve firearm use by making them safer—both for the user and those nearby.

Judge McGlynn’s conversation with expert witnesses during the trial delved into how suppressors align with the right to self-defense. As McGlynn pointed out, firearms can be loud and disorienting in moments of self-defense, potentially harming those trying to defend themselves. Suppressors minimize this risk by dampening the sound, making them more efficient and safer for lawful firearm owners.

By linking suppressors to the facilitation of self-defense, McGlynn appeared to align with the idea that suppressors qualify as “arms” under the Second Amendment.

Suppressors as Arms: A Constitutional Argument

One of the key legal arguments in Anderson vs. Raoul, embedded below, revolves around whether suppressors should be considered “arms” under the Second Amendment.

The U.S. Supreme Court, in cases like Heller and Bruen, has established that the Second Amendment protects firearms and accessories used in common lawful purposes like self-defense. Smith emphasized that suppressors are used by millions of Americans and are neither “dangerous” nor “unusual,” a standard set by the Court for determining whether an item can be banned. There are over three million legally registered suppressors in the United States, demonstrating their commonality.

“Suppressors facilitate armed self-defense,” Smith explained, reinforcing the idea that they meet the criteria established in Bruen. The burden of proof, therefore, falls on the state to demonstrate a historical tradition of banning suppressors—something that history does not support.

Illinois’ Ban and McGlynn’s Judicial Insight

Illinois, alongside several other states, took the step of banning suppressors outright, a move that Carlin Anderson case is challenging based on Second Amendment grounds. In contrast, federal law, under the National Firearms Act (NFA), permits suppressors but heavily regulates their sale and transfer. Illinois’ more aggressive stance on the issue has sparked legal pushback, with Judge McGlynn now tasked with navigating the nuances of federal and state law as they intersect with constitutional rights.

In a recent hearing, Judge McGlynn questioned why his wife, weighing around 100 pounds, would be expected to defend herself with a 12-gauge shotgun when a carbine might be a more practical and less physically taxing option.

His query underscored the broader point that firearms, and by extension their accessories, serve varying functions depending on the user’s needs. For individuals with physical limitations, suppressors and other accessories can significantly enhance their ability to defend themselves effectively. This line of thinking suggests that McGlynn is weighing the human factors involved in self-defense scenarios, making it clear that suppressor bans might disproportionately harm individuals who rely on these tools for lawful protection.

Judge McGlynn questioned why his wife, weighing around 100 pounds, would be expected to defend herself with a 12-gauge shotgun when a carbine might be more practical.

What’s at Stake?

Carlin Anderson vs. Kwame Raoul is not just about suppressors—it is about the very essence of the Second Amendment. Should the court rule in Anderson’s favor, it would affirm the idea that suppressors are, indeed, protected “arms” under the Constitution and that the state of Illinois has overstepped its authority by enacting a total ban. On the other hand, if the court sides with Raoul, it would bolster state efforts to enact more restrictive firearm accessory laws in the future, setting a dangerous precedent for gun owners nationwide.

In his analysis, Smith was optimistic about the future of suppressor rights, noting that Judge McGlynn’s understanding of firearms and his application of Supreme Court precedents suggest a potential victory for Anderson. With McGlynn already connecting the dots between suppressors and the Heller and Bruen decisions, the case seems to be heading toward a pivotal moment that could reshape suppressor regulations across the country.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of the upcoming Carlin Anderson vs. Kwame Raoul could have far-reaching implications, not only for Illinois gun owners but for Second Amendment rights nationwide. As Judge McGlynn continues to preside over this critical case, pro-gun advocates like Mark Smith remain vigilant, hopeful that the court will recognize suppressors as essential tools for self-defense. This case, alongside others challenging Illinois’ restrictive gun laws, represents a crucial moment for gun rights in America, with the potential to uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves with the best tools available.

As the case moves forward, pro-gun supporters are encouraged to stay informed and active, as these battles in the courtroom will undoubtedly shape the future of firearm regulations in the United States.

Carlin Anderson vs Kwame Raoul