Los Angeles, California – Gun owners in California are now prohibited from carrying firearms into various public places, such as amusement parks, museums, churches, zoos, banks, and public parks, regardless of whether they have a concealed carry permit. This comes as a new law recently went into effect in the state, but its legitimacy is currently being challenged in the courts.
Last month, a U.S. district judge blocked the law, deeming it “repugnant to the Second Amendment.” However, a federal appeals court has temporarily lifted this block, allowing the law to proceed for the time being.
Adam Winkler, a law professor at UCLA and the author of “Gunfight: The Battle Over The Right To Bear Arms In America,” discusses the implications of this new law and the broader challenges in implementing gun safety measures in the country. He notes that while concealed carry permit holders are generally allowed to carry guns in public, California has designated 26 sensitive places where firearms are prohibited, making it virtually impossible for permit holders to carry their guns anywhere.
Winkler emphasizes the need for clearer guidance from the courts regarding the types of gun laws that are permissible under the Second Amendment. California has been a leader in enacting gun safety regulations, but the recent Supreme Court rulings on the Second Amendment have raised questions about the validity of these laws.
Regarding the possibility of the new law reaching the Supreme Court, Winkler explains that while it is difficult to predict which specific laws will be considered by the highest court, it is clear that the court needs to clarify the definition of sensitive places where guns can be restricted.
The article concludes by mentioning that this law is just one of several new gun laws coming into effect in California. Governor Gavin Newsom has championed gun safety regulation as part of his political agenda, backing measures such as background checks for ammunition purchases and restrictions on high-capacity magazines and assault rifles. However, Winkler predicts that any new gun law will face legal challenges under the Second Amendment, as the recent Supreme Court test requires laws to align with those from the 17th and 18th centuries.
In summary, the new law in California restricting gun owners from carrying firearms in certain public places is currently facing legal scrutiny. As the state grapples with the tension between implementing gun safety measures and protecting Second Amendment rights, the courts are expected to provide guidance on the scope of permissible gun laws. Time will tell whether this law or others will ultimately be reviewed by the Supreme Court.