Newsom Suffers Another Legal Blow in 2-1 Ruling

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California’s law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases has been struck down as unconstitutional by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a closely divided 2-1 decision. The ruling upheld an earlier judgment from a federal district court, dealing a significant blow to the state’s efforts to regulate gun-related sales. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who vowed to continue fighting for stronger gun safety measures despite the setback.

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Newsom said, "Strong gun laws save lives – and today's decision is a slap in the face to the progress California has made in recent years to keep its communities safer from gun violence. Californians voted to require background checks on ammunition and their voices should matter."

Ammunition displayed at Dunham

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Judge Sandra Segal Ikuta ruled that mandatory background checks for ammunition purchases violate the constitutional right to bear arms. She found the law unduly restricts lawful gun owners despite its aim to block felons and others from obtaining ammo.

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Ikuta wrote, "The right to keep and bear arms incorporates the right to operate them, which requires ammunition."

Newsom announcing state school funding in Castroville

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The California Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing the need for laws to keep ammunition out of unsafe hands. Newsom's office claimed that Californians have strongly supported the measures.

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The California DOJ stated, "We are deeply disappointed in today's ruling — a critical and lifesaving measure that closes a dangerous loophole. Our families, schools, and neighborhoods deserve nothing less than the most basic protection against preventable gun violence, and we are looking into our legal options."

Governor Newsom at Stribley Park Community Center press conference

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In dissent, Judge Jay Bybee argued the law posed minor obstacles and didn’t significantly hinder gun rights. All panel judges were Republican appointees.

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California Rifle & Pistol Association president Chuck Michel said, "This case has been a long hard fight against overreaching government gun control, but a firearm cannot be effective without the ammunition to make it operable. The state of California continues to try to strip our rights, and we continue to prove their actions are unconstitutional."

Sarah Bennett covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.