Washington Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Large-Capacity Gun Magazines

The Washington Supreme Court has confirmed a ban on large-capacity magazines, overturning a previous ruling that deemed it unconstitutional. This decision, made by a 7-2 vote, upholds a law enacted three years ago that prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

The ruling clarifies that the law does not restrict how many bullets or magazines a person can own; it simply regulates the maximum capacity of those magazines, ensuring that firearms remain functional for their intended use. One judge expressed uncertainty over whether these restrictions undermine self-defense rights, which is an important consideration.

Gator Custom Guns, a for-profit organization in Washington, challenged the state law, arguing that it infringed on Second Amendment rights. Judges Cheryl Gordon McLeod and G. Helen Whitener presented opposing views on the matter during proceedings on Thursday.

Pointing out a critical aspect of semi-automatic firearms, Gator’s Custom Guns noted that these weapons require magazines to function correctly, unlike older single-shot firearms. The organization contended that magazines serve as active components for feeding ammunition, rather than mere storage devices.

In her dissent, McLeod added that the Second Amendment protects not only “weapons” but also the “acts of holding weapons.”

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown expressed support for the court’s ruling, citing concerns about violent incidents. He stated that this decision aligns with legal standards and has the potential to save lives, emphasizing that large-capacity magazines are often linked to mass shootings. Reducing such violence is crucial.

As it stands, 13 other states have also enacted similar bans on large-capacity magazines.