“Large-capacity magazines make weapons even more deadly and can lead to horrific mass-casualty events,” she said. “These dangerous accessories are intended to ensure the maximum number of bullets can be fired without the shooter needing to take time to reload. The pain, suffering, and loss of life that can be inflicted by a single shooter utilizing large-capacity magazines is horrific, which is why these dangerous accessories have no place in our communities.”

The coalition, led by Attorney General James, argues that California’s law on large-capacity magazines is a reasonable and constitutional restriction. The attorneys general assert that states have the right to impose limitations on the public carry, possession and sale of certain types of weapons, accessories, and ammunition that are not necessary for self-defense and pose a risk to public safety. 

They have also argued that large-capacity magazines are not protected by the Second Amendment, as they are not classified as “arms” and are not typically used or suitable for self-defense.

Attorney General James and her fellow attorneys general also contend that California’s law aligns with historical traditions of regulating and restricting new and distinctively dangerous forms of weaponry. They have urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to uphold this law, reinforcing their stance on gun safety and public protection.

Joining Attorney General James in this legal effort are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

This action is part of Attorney General James’ ongoing commitment to combating gun violence. Her recent efforts include arguing against Second Amendment challenges in New York courts, suing a gun accessory manufacturer linked to the Buffalo mass shooting, initiating the state’s first-ever gun buyback program, and leading operations to remove illegal firearms, including ghost guns, from New York streets.

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