A landmark decision came down on Friday when a federal judge issued an injunction against a California statute that sought to ban firearm magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. This ruling serves as a significant blow to the state’s overzealous efforts to limit Second Amendment rights.
U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, appointed by former President George W. Bush, declared the law unconstitutional. He emphasized that such magazines are “possibly the most commonly owned thing in America” when it comes to firearms.
“This case is about a California state law that makes it a crime to keep and bear common firearm magazines typically possessed for lawful purposes,” Benitez said. “Based on the text, history, and tradition of the Second Amendment, this law is clearly unconstitutional.”
Benitez further criticized the law’s impracticality and its detachment from American traditions.
“There have been, and there will be, times where many more than 10 rounds are needed to stop attackers,” Benitez said. “Yet, under this statute, the State says ‘too bad.'”
The National Association for Gun Rights announced the injunction against the California magazine ban on social media. The organization highlighted that this case is among the most closely watched Second Amendment cases in the nation.
A 10-day stay accompanies the injunction to allow California Attorney General Rob Bonta the opportunity to appeal. Bonta, not missing a beat, filed a notice of appeal on Friday.
“The Supreme Court was clear that Bruen did not create a regulatory straitjacket for states — and we believe that the district court got this wrong,” Bonta said.
Benitez cited survey statistics indicating that approximately 48% of gun owners possess weapons that can hold more than 10 rounds. This fact underscores the widespread impact of the law and its potential infringement on the rights of ordinary citizens.
This is not the first time Benitez has blocked this law. A 2019 decision by him to do the same was overturned on appeal to the 9th Circuit. However, the Supreme Court intervened, sending the case back for reconsideration in light of its 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen.
The Supreme Court’s Bruen decision established that any laws regulating firearms must align with the nation’s “historical tradition of firearm regulation.”
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