Federal Judge Says Several California Gun Restrictions Violate 2nd Amendment

On Monday, a federal judge blocked restrictions on the sale of new handguns in California, saying that key provisions of the law violate the Second Amendment.

The Details: The decision by federal District Judge Cormac J. Carney temporarily restricts key portions of California's Unsafe Handgun Act that mandated purchase limitations on certain handguns, such as ammunition micro-stamping and magazine safety requirements.

Key Quote: “Californians have the constitutional right to acquire and use state-of-the-art handguns to protect themselves,” Federal District Judge Cormac J. Carney wrote in the ruling. “They should not be forced to settle for decade-old models of handguns to ensure that they remain safe inside or outside the home.” Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that "California’s gun safety laws save lives, and California’s Unsafe Handgun Act is no exception."

For Context: The California Rifle and Pistol Association and other gun rights supporters filed the lawsuit in 2022 after the Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association vs. Bruen case, which set a new standard for evaluating firearm restrictions.

How the Media Covered it: The ruling by the federal district judge was covered by sources across the political spectrum, with some noting that the temporary injunction gives the California Department of Justice time to appeal.