Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Appeals Court: CA Ammo Background Checks Unconstitutional
California had a law that said you needed a background check to buy bullets.
A judge decided this was against the rules because it made it harder to use your guns for protection.
A higher court agreed, saying that if you can't buy bullets easily, you can't use your gun to protect yourself, which is your right.
The state governor is upset because he thinks this law keeps people safe, but gun rights groups are happy because they think the law was unfair.
A federal appeals court ruled against a California law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases.
The court found the law unconstitutional, citing Second Amendment violations.
The law, enacted in 2019 after a 2016 voter initiative, mandated background checks for bullet purchases.
The court's decision upholds a prior ruling by a lower court judge.
Governor Newsom criticized the decision, while gun rights advocates welcomed it.
- Who
- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, with Judge Sandra Segal Ikuta writing the majority opinion.
- What
- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a California law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases is unconstitutional.
- When
- The ruling was made on Thursday.
- Where
- California.
- Why
- The court found the law violated the Second Amendment, as it hindered the right to keep and bear arms.
Supporters of Gun Control
Advocates for Gun Rights
Public Safety vs. Gun Rights
Supporters of Gun Control
This law was created to improve public safety by preventing dangerous individuals from obtaining ammunition.
Advocates for Gun Rights
The law infringes on the right to bear arms by making it more difficult and costly to purchase ammunition, a necessary component for firearm use.
- Law in Question
- California law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases
- Ruling
- Unconstitutional
- Court
- 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Basis of Ruling
- Violation of the Second Amendment
- Year Law Took Effect
- 2019
- Governor's Stance
- Opposed the ruling