Virginia gun ban litigation enters next phase

(The Center Square) – More than a week after a statewide injunction halted enforcement of Virginia’s new assault weapons ban, parts of the legal fight have entered a holding pattern as state and federal courts await guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court.

The statewide injunction took effect July 21 after Washington County Circuit Judge Jeffrey L. Campbell expanded his earlier ruling statewide, concluding a narrower injunction could create inconsistent enforcement across Virginia and fail to provide complete relief to the plaintiffs.

Campbell has since granted the defendants’ motion to pause the Washington County case, with the agreement of the parties, while the Supreme Court considers challenges to assault weapons bans in Illinois and Connecticut.

The stay does not lift the injunction. Under Campbell’s order, it remains in place until further order of the court or no later than 60 days after the Supreme Court decides the two cases, whichever comes first.

The Washington County lawsuit is one of four state court cha...