Silencers are safe and effective tools to make firearms safer to use and more effective. They protect the hearing of the user, those around them, and prevent noise from bothering neighbors. They make training easier, safer and more effective, and can even increase firearm accuracy. Silencers are “arms” under the Second Amendment – a position that even the federal government concedes – and are therefore subject to all of the same constitutional protections afforded to the firearms to which they are attached.
And yet, New Jersey lawmakers have categorically prohibited silencer possession. This sort of categorical ban runs afoul of the Second Amendment, and the clear holdings of Heller and Bruen.
The Second Amendment Foundation, joined by the American Suppressor Association, the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs and New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate.
Case Team: David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson, Athanasia O. Livas, Daniel L. Schmutter
Recent Docket Activity
May 28th, 2026
Proposed Order Scheduling Briefing on Motions for Summary Judgment by All Defendants.
May 22nd, 2026
TEXT ORDER: Having conferenced with counsel on May 22, 2026, and having received an update on the status of this case, and observing that pretrial factual discovery is complete, it is ORDERED that the parties shall complete expert discovery by July 10, 2026 and submit an agreed upon briefing schedule for the summary judgment motions to be filed on the docket by June 1, 2026. There will be a telephone status conference on August 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The call-in number is 856-210-8988, access code 680 937 487#. The Court reserves the right to move up or further adjourn this conference depending upon the status of any motions, which may be filed. So Ordered by Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill on 5/22/26.
May 22nd, 2026
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill: Telephone Status Conference held on 5/22/2026.
April 1st, 2026
LETTER ORDER extending Defendants' deadline to serve affirmative expert reports until 5/8/2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill on 4/1/2026.
