GOAL'S LITIGATION ROLE POST CHAPTER 135
Not only did the Massachusetts legislature pass one of the most egregious attacks on civil rights in modern U.S. history, but now citizens are facing an aggressive prosecution system that has weaponized the court process into the actual punishment. Even if you win – you lose.
Since the fall of 2024, Gun Owners’ Action League has committed approximately $500,000 to litigation - a level of investment made necessary by the unprecedented legal threats facing lawful gun owners in Massachusetts. This work is not limited to a single lawsuit or one area of firearm law. GOAL is pursuing a coordinated legal strategy in state and federal courts, working with experienced, respected Second Amendment attorneys and national civil-rights organizations.
Our litigation efforts serve two equally important purposes:
First, GOAL is fighting to overturn unconstitutional laws. Massachusetts has created a maze of restrictions affecting firearms licensing, commonly owned semiautomatic firearms, training, nonresident gun owners, young adults, and the fundamental right to keep and bear arms. Because these sweeping laws cannot be challenged in one case, GOAL must carefully break them into individual legal issues and pursue the strongest possible challenges. This is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming work - but it is essential if we are to restore the rights protected by both the United States and Massachusetts Constitutions.
Second, GOAL is fighting to keep good people from going to prison. Confusing, contradictory, and over-aggressively enforced firearm laws have thrown good citizens into a maelstrom of legal and financial disarray.
GOAL works with well-respected attorneys to review requests for assistance and supports carefully selected, and vetted cases. These include cases involving licensing delays and revocations, nonresident possession, so-called “assault-style” firearms, registration requirements, and other prosecutions that threaten innocent people with devastating consequences. Post Chapter 135 the legal “process” has become the punishment.
This dual mission—challenging unconstitutional laws and defending good people caught in the over aggressive persecution and prosecution of gun owners is at the heart of GOAL’s legal program. The financial commitment is substantial, but the cost of surrendering our rights would be far greater. Learn more about GOAL’s active caseload: www.goal.org/legal.
