⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Seventh Circuit hears a challenge to Illinois's ban on possessing firearm suppressors, also called silencers. These devices reduce a gunshot's noise rather than making it silent. Four Illinois firearm owners sued state officials because they want to use suppressors for lawful activities. They cite hearing protection, quieter target practice, hunting, and self-defense as reasons for wanting them. One plaintiff says target-shooting noise led neighbors to call police to his property. The district judge dismissed the suits, concluding that the plaintiffs had not plausibly shown suppressors were arms within the Second Amendment's historical meaning. The plaintiffs now appeal. The dispute is whether constitutional protection extends to suppressors themselves or to using them with firearms. Peter Patterson will argue for the challengers.

Carlin Anderson v. Kwame Raoul (No. 25-2642) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued October 28, 2026.