(The Center Square) – While the bench trial for Illinois’ gun and magazine ban is over, the reverberations could impact a separate lawsuit against banning firearm silencers.
Litigants in the trial that wrapped up Thursday argued over the difference and similarities of now banned semi-automatic only firearms and military rifles that go full auto or burst. Plaintiffs worked to address the issues raised by the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that sided with the state on preliminary grounds last year, saying semi-automatic firearms are too similar to military firearms and can be banned.
Also debated during the bench trial for Barnett v. Raoul was the use of flash suppressors, which the Illinois law bans. Plaintiffs’ witnesses discussed how those help the shooter maintain better eyesight when firing a gun in a self defense situation.
Defending the ban, attorneys for the state argued that also makes it easier for someone to shoot while in a dark movie theater.
Dane Harrel, a lead plaintiff in one of the consolidated cases, said egregious and unlawful use is possible, something that speaks to the shooter’s intent.