Washington Supreme Court hears challenge to ban on future sales of large-capacity magazines

Summary

On Jan. 14 the Washington Supreme Court heard argument in State v. Gators Custom Guns over Senate Bill 5,078, which bars future sales and transfers of magazines holding more than 10 rounds. State counsel urged deference to legislative findings on public safety; opposing counsel argued magazines are integral, protected firearm components. The case was submitted for decision.

The Washington Supreme Court heard argument Jan. 14 in State v. Gators Custom Guns over the constitutionality of Senate Bill 5,078, which would bar future sales and transfers of large-capacity magazines (those that hold more than 10 rounds). Noah Purcell, arguing for the state, said the law does not strip current owners of possession but advances public safety and fits within the court’s precedents allowing regulation of particularly dangerous weapons.

"Nothing in Washington's constitution or the Second Amendment requires states to allow the sale of firearm accessories that have virtually no utility for self defense and instead are routinely used in mass shootings," Purcell told the justices, urging the court to uphold the statute and follow appellate decisions that have sustained similar limits.

Purcell framed the dispute around two…

Washington Supreme Court hears challenge to ban on future sales of large-capacity magazines

Summary

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