9th Circuit Upholds California Ban on Large-Capacity Gun Magazines

The ruling aligns with historical firearm regulations, while a dissenting judge’s unprecedented video critique raises questions about judicial norms.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 7-4 to uphold California's ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds, citing consistency with the Second Amendment and historical firearm regulations.
Judge Lawrence VanDyke issued an 18-minute YouTube video dissent, demonstrating firearms and criticizing the majority's reasoning as detached from practical firearm use.
The majority opinion argued that large-capacity magazines are not essential for self-defense and exacerbate harm in mass shootings by reducing opportunities to pause and intervene.
Judge VanDyke's video dissent has been criticized by colleagues for introducing facts outside the case record and for acting as an unapproved expert witness.
Gun rights advocates, including the California Rifle & Pistol Association, plan to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, citing violations of the Second Amendment under the 2022 Bruen precedent.