United States v. Rahimi
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in United States v. Rahimi and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of United States v. Rahimi.
The Supreme Court reviewed the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8), which prohibits individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms. The Court found that such individuals may be temporarily disarmed consistent with the Second Amendment if they pose a credible threat to physical safety. The decision reversed the Fifth Circuit's ruling, which had found the statute inconsistent with historical firearm regulations.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in United States v. Rahimi.
The Court held that individuals found by a court to pose a credible threat to the physical safety of another may be temporarily disarmed consistent with the Second Amendment.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in United States v. Rahimi. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Procedural Due Process is relevant to United States v. Rahimi
The Court discusses the procedural aspects of restraining orders and their impact on Second Amendment rights.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Rahimi's facial challenge to Section 922(g)(8) requires him to 'establish that no set of circumstances exists under which the Act would be valid.'
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to United States v. Rahimi
The Court exercises its power to review the constitutionality of a federal statute under the Second Amendment.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)We granted certiorari. 600 U. S. ––– (2023)
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in United States v. Rahimi that support the summary and concepts above.
When an individual has been found by a court to pose a credible threat to the physical safety of another, that individual may be temporarily disarmed.
Section 922(g)(8) restricts gun use to mitigate demonstrated threats of physical violence, just as the surety and going armed laws do.
The Fifth Circuit erred in reading Bruen to require a 'historical twin' rather than a 'historical analogue.'
