The first case, US v. Hemani is a challenge to 18 USC 922(g)(3) which prohibits possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, in this case: marijuana. Marijuana is legal in Massachusetts; this case could potentially have implications for medical and recreational marijuana users that could expand the numbers of lawful gun owners across the Commonwealth. The case was granted writ of certiorari on October 20, 2025 and oral arguments are scheduled for March 2, 2026. 

GOAL's brief was filed in partnership with the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, Inc. You can find more information about the case, as well as a link to our brief, here: https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/united-states-v-hemani/

The second case, Schoenthal v. Raoul, will decide whether Illinois’ flat ban on ordinary citizens carrying firearms on public transportation violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. The Seventh Circuit upheld the ban, finding that a few nineteenth century restriction on carrying firearms in ballrooms established a tradition of banning carry in crowded locations with vulnerable populations, such as children. The case was distributed for conference by the Supreme Court on January 9, 2026 and the response deadline has been extended to February 17, 2026. It remained to be seen whether cert will be granted in this case. 

GOAL's brief in this case was filed in partnership with The National Rifle Association, Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, Inc., New Jersey Firearms Owners' Syndicate, and the New York Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. You can find more information about the case, as well as a link to our brief, here: https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/schoenthal-v-raoul/

These cases would again, potentially have significant impacts on expanding Second Amendment Civil Rights in the Commonwealth. It would give Massachusetts gun owners precedent to challenge our own so-called "sensitive places" restrictions or, dare we hope, declare them unconstitutional on their face. It would also treat folks who use medical and recreational marijuana the same as those who decide to drink alcohol. Please take a look at the cases and stay informed!