Grant v. Higgins
Cert Granted · Argument Dec 2, 2026No. 25-566
Connecticut's law making it a felony to possess semi-automatic rifles — including the AR-15 — acquired after April 3, 2013
What a ruling could mean
- If the challengers win: Connecticut's felony ban on these rifles would be struck down, and similar laws in other states would be in doubt.
- If Connecticut wins: Connecticut's law would stand, and states would keep wide room to ban AR-15-style rifles.
What the Court agreed to decide
Granted June 30, 2026 and consolidated with Viramontes v. Cook County. The consolidated argument will be heard on the question presented in Viramontes — whether the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect AR-15-platform and similar semi-automatic rifles in common use. One hour total argument.
What's next
Oral argument is set for Wednesday, December 2, 2026. Justice Kavanaugh signaled in Snope v. Brown (2025) that the Court "should and presumably will" address the AR-15 question soon, and that there is a "strong argument" these rifles are constitutionally protected — this is the vehicle that prediction pointed to.
Timeline (from official SCOTUS dockets; since consolidation on Jun 30, 2026, most filings are recorded on No. 25-238)
- Oct 26, 2026 Amicus brief of David A. Robinson submitted
- Oct 21, 2026 Connecticut's brief submitted; returned by the Clerk for corrections (due Oct 26)
- Sep 22, 2026 Record received from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- Sep 18, 2026 Case circulated ahead of argument
- Sep 4, 2026 Argument set for Wednesday, December 2, 2026
- Jun 30, 2026 Cert granted; consolidated with Viramontes v. Cook County
- Jun 25, 2026 Distributed for conference — no action
- Jun 18, 2026 Distributed for conference — no action
- Feb 20, 2026 First distributed for conference
- Nov 7, 2025 Petition filed with the Court