On Friday, August 14, 2020, in a narrow 2-1 decision, a three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned a California ban on firearm magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. The panel affirmed the district court’s summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs and held that the ban violated the Second Amendment.
Click here for a summary of the decision
by California attorney Andrew F. Branca
Don’t break out the champagne just yet. If appealed by the California Attorney General this decision would be subject to an en banc review by a larger panel of judges. The Ninth Circuit traditionally has held a hostile view of the Second Amendment.
Ninth Circuit decisions impact eight states, including Arizona. Currently in Arizona there is no ban on the number of rounds that a magazine can hold. However, legislation to limit magazine capacity has been repeatedly introduced in Arizona over the years, most recently during the 2020 legislative session. AzCDL has been instrumental in defeating each attempt. We expect more aggressive attempts in the coming sessions. You can help us defeat future attacks on your right to keep and bear arms by joining AzCDL or renewing your membership.