America's highest judicial body currently has a conservative majority, with six of the Supreme Court's 12 justices having been appointed by Republican presidents.

Yet many Republicans were left baffled this week when the Supreme Court blocked an appeal from activists who are challenging state gun laws. 

Justices refused to hear challenge of gun bans in Maryland and Delaware

According to Fox News, the laws in question are a Delaware ban on  so-called assault weapons and a Maryland requirement that those seeking to obtain a handgun must first be licensed.

The Maryland legislation mandates that prospective handgun owners undergo safety training, submit fingerprints, and pass an extensive background check.

Fox News noted that a three-judge appeals court panel initially struck down the Maryland law but it was later upheld by the full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Meanwhile, the Delaware Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022 prohibits a number of firearms by name as well as those which incorporate certain features.

Although the sale, manufacture, and possession of such firearms is outlawed, a grandfathering provision exists for owners who legally acquired their weapons prior to June 30, 2022.

Federal judge rules that Illinois gun ban is unconstitutional

Maryland and Delaware are not the only states where gun laws have stirred controversy, as similar legislation in Illinois has also provoked a legal fight.

CBS News reported in November that U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn found the Protect Illinois Communities Act to be unconstitutional.

Federal judge rules Illinois assault weapons ban unconstitutional https://t.co/3oStIjJnfm

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) November 9, 2024

Passed in January of 2023, the legislation outlawed dozens of semiautomatic firearms as well as .50 caliber rifles. It also limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds for pistols and 10 rounds for long guns.

Illinois attorney general moves to appeal judge's ruling

"What is particularly disturbing is that the prohibition of weapons that are commonly owned and used by citizens are now banned, depriving citizens of a principal means to defend themselves and their property in situations where a handgun or shotgun alone would not be the citizen's preferred arm," McGlynn wrote.

"Sadly, there are those who seek to usher in a sort of post-Constitution era where the citizens' individual rights are only as important as they are convenient to a ruling class," the judge added.

Chicago's WTTW reported that Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul responded to McGlynn's decision by filing a notice of appeal with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.