A federal judge has once again overturned California’s ban on high-capacity gun magazines, ruling it unconstitutional. The decision, made by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, has sparked a heated debate between gun rights advocates and those pushing for stricter gun control measures. The ruling is currently stayed for 10 days, allowing for an appeal by the state.
Key Takeaways
- Judge’s Ruling: U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled that California’s ban on high-capacity magazines is unconstitutional, citing a lack of historical precedent for such a restriction.
- Immediate Impact: The ruling is stayed for 10 days, giving California Attorney General Rob Bonta time to file an appeal.
- Historical Context: The case was influenced by a 2022 Supreme Court decision that set a new standard for evaluating gun laws based on historical tradition.
- Public Safety Concerns: Critics argue that high-capacity magazines are often used in mass shootings, making the ruling a public safety risk.
- Political Reactions: California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have both criticized the ruling, calling it dangerous and politically motivated.
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Background
California has long been at the forefront of gun control legislation in the United States. The state initially banned the sale or purchase of high-capacity magazines over two decades ago. In 2016, voters approved Proposition 63, which extended the ban to the possession of such magazines. This law has been the subject of ongoing legal battles ever since.
The Ruling
Judge Benitez’s decision is not his first on this matter. He previously struck down the ban in 2019, only for the ruling to be overturned by an appeals court. However, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association vs. Bruen set a new standard for evaluating gun laws, leading to the case being reconsidered.
Benitez argued that there is no historical precedent for limiting ammunition capacity and that such restrictions are arbitrary and capricious. He stated that high-capacity magazines are commonly used for lawful purposes, including self-defense.
Legal and Political Reactions
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has already filed a notice of appeal, vowing to fight the ruling. He emphasized that high-capacity magazines are frequently used in mass shootings and pose a significant public safety risk.
Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized the ruling, calling it a
Sources
- Federal judge again strikes down California law banning gun magazines of more than 10 rounds | AP News, AP News.
- Federal judge overturns California ban on high-capacity gun magazines | CNN, CNN.
- San Diego federal judge again strikes down California ban on large-capacity gun magazines – San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune.
- Federal judge again overturns California ban on high-capacity gun magazines – Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times.
- Federal judge strikes down CA large magazine ban, again | Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee.