Skip to main content

No. 23-852October Term 2024Decided Mar 26, 2025

Docket 23-852October Term 2024 (2024–2025)

Pamela Bondi, Attorney General, et al., Petitioners v. Jennifer VanDerStok, et al.

This case determined whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) acted within its authority under the Gun Control Act of 1968 when it issued a rule regulating "ghost guns"—weapon parts kits and unfinished frames that can be readily assembled into functional firearms.

Case status

Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released Mar 26, 2025
Case AcceptedApr 22, 2024
Arguments HeardOct 8, 2024
Decision ReleasedMar 26, 2025
What it's about

This case determined whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) acted within its authority under the Gun Control Act of 1968 when it issued a rule regulating "ghost guns"—weapon parts kits and unfinished frames that can be readily assembled into functional firearms. The Supreme Court upheld the ATF's rule, finding that such kits and components fall within the statutory definition of a firearm.

Question presented

Did the ATF exceed its statutory authority in promulgating its Final Rule purporting to regulate so-called “ghost guns”?

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit / Decision released Mar 26, 2025

Area

Gun Rights