WA State Supreme Court upholds ban on high-capacity ammo magazine sales

The Washington Supreme Court upheld a 2022 law banning the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines in a 7-2 decision. The majority opinion stated that these magazines do not qualify as “arms” under the state constitution, thus the law does not violate individual rights to bear arms. Justice Charles Johnson emphasized that limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds still allows individuals to use firearms for self-defense. In dissent, Justices Sheryl Gordon McCloud and G. Helen Whitener argued that millions of citizens use high-capacity magazines for lawful purposes, warranting Second Amendment protections.

Attorney General Nick Brown praised the ruling, asserting it aims to curb mass shootings, as large-capacity magazines are often used in such incidents. Gator’s Custom Guns, represented by former attorney general candidate Pete Serrano, plans to appeal the ruling to the U. S. Supreme Court, citing a flawed Second Amendment analysis. Governor Bob Ferguson characterized the ban as a common-sense measure essential for addressing gun violence.

The decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding gun rights and regulation in the United States.