A challenge to California’s ban on large-capacity magazines rests on two ideas: the right to bear “arms” and the “historical tradition of firearm regulation,”?restricting especially dangerous uses of weapons when those uses have proved particularly harmful, as in mass shootings.
In a 7-2 ruling, the High Court decided that the ATF was within its rights to declare firearms created from kits or 3-D printers were “guns” and therefore under jurisdiction of the 1968 Gun Control Act. Learn what this means for guns purchased by kit or made at home in California by reading inside.
One of the benefits of being a Professional Subscriber is 24/7 access to our archives. These Case Law Quizzes on the all-important details of Miranda interviews are among our most popular features. Check them out here and keep your knowledge fresh!
New laws relating to trespassing, petty theft, weapons, ammunition, domestic violence, sideshows and more are coming in 2025. Take this quiz to test how well you know some of the new laws may make your job more challenging. Become a Professional Subscriber to delve deeper into the issues and what you need to know in the field.
The U.S. Supreme Court reversed a death sentence in Glossip v. Oklahoma due to prosecutorial misconduct. A government witness lied about medical treatment, and the prosecution failed to correct false testimony. Withholding evidence for two decades and other violations led to a new trial order.
In a Nevada case, a mom bought several guns, apparently for her son, a convicted felon. A sharp clerk called the ATF after suspecting she was lying on federal paperwork about the purchase. An appeals court explored federal laws and the Constitution in this interesting case.
The Fourth District Court of Appeal recently ruled whether an unloaded firearm can qualify as a deadly weapon in an assault case not only if the defendant uses it as a club or bludgeon, as has been prior jury guidance. It’s important to know if ammunition is readily available and if it’s possible to load the gun immediately.
As you know, cannabis laws continue to evolve. Take our handy-dandy 11-question quiz to check how well you know case law about searching vehicles when you see or smell marijuana, and what may be an exception to traditional search guidelines. Click inside to take the quiz.
A federal court ruling in Fouts v. Bonta (Feb. 2024) has determined that the possession of billy clubs is constitutionally protected under the Second Amendment. The court found California's ban on billy clubs, per Penal Code § 22210, unconstitutional. The decision, which could affect weapon laws nationwide, is pending appeal.
Laws require the state DOJ to share biographical information about firearms or ammunition purchasers and CCWs applicants with a UC Davis research center. The legislature created the center to provide information on firearm violence and help create statewide policy and legislation meant to curb gun violence. Gun owners sued.
