California Gun Purchase Waiting Period Laws Ruled Unconstitutional

Federal court decides 10-day waiting period laws violate Second Amendment rights.

Waiting Period Laws Ruled Unconstitutional
Waiting Period Laws Ruled Unconstitutional
CalGuns Foundation
CalGuns Foundation

ROSEVILLE, CA – -(Ammoland.com)- California’s 10-day waiting period for gun purchases was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge this morning in a significant victory for Second Amendment civil rights.

The laws were challenged by California gun owners Jeffrey Silvester and Brandon Combs, as well as two gun rights groups, The Calguns Foundation and Second Amendment Foundation.

In the decision released this morning, Federal Eastern District of California Senior Judge Anthony W. Ishii, appointed to the bench by President Bill Clinton, found that “the 10-day waiting periods of Penal Code [sections 26815(a) and 27540(a)] violate the Second Amendment” as applied to members of certain classifications, like Silvester and Combs, and “burdens the Second Amendment rights of the Plaintiffs.”

“This is a great win for Second Amendment civil rights and common sense,” said Jeff Silvester, the named individual plaintiff. “I couldn’t be happier with how this case turned out.”

Under the court order, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) must change its systems to accommodate the unobstructed release of guns to gun buyers who pass a background check and possess a California license to carry a handgun, or who hold a “Certificate of Eligibility” issued by the DOJ and already possess at least one firearm known to the state.

“We are happy that Second Amendment rights are being acknowledged and protected by our courts,” said Donald Kilmer, lead attorney for the plaintiffs.

“This case is one more example of how our judicial branch brings balance to government in order to insure our liberty. I am elated that we were able to successfully vindicate the rights of our clients.”

Attorneys Victor Otten of Torrance and Jason Davis of Mission Viejo were co-counsel for the plaintiffs.

“This ruling clearly addressed the issue we put before the court,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb. “We are naturally delighted with the outcome.”

“California gun owners are not second-class citizens and the Second Amendment doesn’t protect second class rights,” noted plaintiff Brandon Combs, also CGF’s executive director.

“This decision is an important step towards restoring fundamental individual liberties in the Golden State.”

“This victory provides a strong foundation from which other irrational and unconstitutional gun control laws will be challenged,” concluded Combs. “We look forward to doing just that.”

The court’s decision can be read or downloaded at https://bit.ly/silvester-v-harris-decision.

The Calguns Foundation (www.calgunsfoundation.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves its members, supporters, and the public through educational, cultural, and judicial efforts to defend and advance Second Amendment and related civil rights.

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.

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Eric

So your right to bear arms was denied for 21 days . Sad state you live in. 21 days you never get back.

David Lee Young

I purchased a hand gun on 11/20/2015, and picked it up 10 days later, no problem, however, I went to Dick’s sporting goods, on 12/04/2015 and purchased a shotgun, 10 days up today 12/14/2015, I went to pick it up, and they said I had to wait another day, the sales person said their policy is 11 day wait, can they do this, this store is in Lancaster Ca.

james

Foolish thing waiting period when in most states you will have to wait over a week to purchase a handgun but can walk out of any sporting goods store with a 12ga shotgun in under 20 min.

Kevin McGonigal

Every suit filed by every gun owner should include that phrase “unduly burdens the Second Amendment rights of the plaintiffs”. In some states like NJ every single paragraph of its arcane gun laws unduly burdens our rights. Only be going to the federal courts for relief will we ever be able to overturn these “burdensome” restrictions.

UpChuck.Liberals

WAHOO, now if we can just get Kevin DeLeon and the other fools OUT OF OFFICE or in prison. I’m glad to see my money is doing some good.

Donnie

If we don’t stop the destruction of our constitutional rights now we won’t be able to! There’s a lot of complaining but no one has stood up. What Americans seem to forget is the second amendment was designed to control government, not citizens. Obullshit and all his criminal thugs need to go and now before it’s too late and that is just around the corner! Anyone who can’t see Obama is a Muslim terrorist out to destroy the country doesn’t want to see the truth! We should take those idiots out with the rest of the trash! C’mon people! Let’s… Read more »