(Image Courtesy of FirearmsBlog.com)
Feb. 13, 2024, Hanson v. DC (2023) was heard before the U.S. Court of Appeals (DC Circuit). Hanson and fellow plaintiffs including our Executive Director Tyler Yzaguirre, argued that Large Capacity Magazines are "arms" protected by the Second Amendment's "common use" self-defense doctrine.
Washington, DC attorneys argued that the Court cannot assume that "all" LCMs are used for lawful self-defense purposes, and are therefore not protected by the Second Amendment.
WHERE DO THE JUSTICES STAND?
Circuit Court Judge Ginsburg (Reagan Appointee) argued that in the past 5 years of mass shootings, less than 10 have included LMCs.
Circuit Court Judge Walker (Trump Appointee) argued that the federal government, through various programs, has handed out more than 250,000 LCMs to professional sports shooters.
Circuit Court Judge Millett (Obama Appointee) argued that if just because a facet of firearms is in widespread circulation, doesn't mean it's being used for "lawful self-defense purposes."
The Second Amendment Institute believes this will come down to a 2-1 ruling in favor of Hanson.
Listen to the oral arguments here.
Washington Post story here.