Federal Judge Struck Down Delaware Ghost Gun Law

The ruling found that bans on the possession and creation of untraceable firearms violate the Second Amendment.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Law

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a solitary stone arch, representing constitutional weight, rendered in navy, cream, and black. — A federal judge struck down Delaware's ghost gun law, ruling that the home manufacture of untraceable firearms is protected by the Second Amendment. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the government be allowed to ban the home manufacture of untraceable firearms?

A federal judge has invalidated key provisions of Delaware's 2021 law that prohibited the possession and creation of untraceable firearms. The court determined that such home-manufactured weapons are protected under the Second Amendment.

Why it matters

The decision underscores ongoing judicial debates regarding the limits of state-level firearm regulations. While some restrictions remain in place, the ruling marks a significant shift in the state's efforts to curb untraceable weapon accessibility.

The ruling invalidates the ban on home-created ghost guns while maintaining existing prohibitions on the sale of such firearms and the sharing of 3D-printer code for weapon manufacturing.

The players

Maryellen Noreika

She is the federal judge who presided over the case and issued the ruling.

Firearms Policy Coalition

This organization is a nonprofit advocacy group that filed the 2021 lawsuit challenging the Delaware statute.

The details

Judge Maryellen Noreika determined that banning the home manufacture of arms via 3D printers and the possession of untraceable parts infringes upon constitutional rights. Despite the court's decision, limitations on the commercial sale of ghost guns and the distribution of manufacturing files remain active.

Delaware passed the broad ban on ghost gun possession in 2021.
Judge Noreika issued an injunction on the law's enforcement in 2022.
A federal judge ruled the 2021 law unconstitutional on September 10, 2026.
The Delaware Supreme Court reinstated an under-21 gun possession ban in early September 2026.

Political Context

The ruling follows the constitutional principles established by the Second Amendment. This decision directly interprets the scope of these rights regarding modern manufacturing methods for firearms.

Residents should note that while the possession ban has been lifted, the sale of ghost guns and the sharing of 3D-printing code remain prohibited in the state. The ruling does not change the recently reinstated law that restricts firearm possession for individuals under the age of 21.

The takeaway

This judicial outcome signals a challenging environment for states attempting to regulate weapon assembly through 3D printing and home modification. Residents interested in firearm legality should monitor the upcoming appeal to the Third Circuit for potential changes in state enforcement.