Posts by: jsndavis

Ninth Circuit Strikes Down California’s Urban Open Carry Ban in Landmark Second Amendment Ruling

Ninth Circuit Strikes Down California’s Urban Open Carry Ban in Landmark Second Amendment Ruling

In a pivotal decision released today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has partially invalidated California’s stringent restrictions on the open carry of firearms, declaring the state’s ban on open carry in urban counties (>200,000 population) unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The case, Baird v. Bonta (No. 24-565) (Opinion attached below), pits individual gun rights against state…read more →

3 Jan, 2026

LASD’s Concealed Carry Permit Processing: A Post-Bruen Boom, Backlog Battle, and Federal Intervention

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen fundamentally reshaped America’s concealed carry landscape, invalidating subjective “may-issue” permitting schemes and ushering in a more objective “shall-issue” era. In Los Angeles County—one of California’s most populous and historically restrictive jurisdictions—the ruling triggered a dramatic surge in Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) applications, overwhelming the…read more →

17 Nov, 2025
The Due Process and Takings Implications of Typographical Errors in California’s “Assault Weapons” Legislation: A Case Study of the Steyr AUG – NOW AN “ASSAULT WEAPON”

The Due Process and Takings Implications of Typographical Errors in California’s “Assault Weapons” Legislation: A Case Study of the Steyr AUG – NOW AN “ASSAULT WEAPON”

The Due Process and Takings Implications of Typographical Errors in California’s Assault Weapons Legislation: A Case Study of the Steyr AUG Abstract California’s “assault weapons” legislation, originating with the Roberti-Roos “Assault Weapons” Control Act of 1989 (AWCA), codified in Penal Code § 30510, employs a list-based approach to prohibit specific firearms by name and model. This article scrutinizes a longstanding…read more →

5 Nov, 2025
California’s Prohibition on Firearm Possession and Control for Individuals Under 21: Implications for Dealers, Employees, and Customers

California’s Prohibition on Firearm Possession and Control for Individuals Under 21: Implications for Dealers, Employees, and Customers

In California, firearm regulations extend far beyond mere sales and transfers, encompassing even temporary possession or control of guns. This is particularly relevant for licensed firearms dealers employing or interacting with individuals under 21 years old, whether as customers browsing inventory or as employees handling stock. The state’s laws are stricter than federal baselines, creating a complex landscape for compliance….read more →

30 Oct, 2025
Understanding California’s Penal Code Section 29860: Relief from Firearm Prohibitions for Retroactive Bans

Understanding California’s Penal Code Section 29860: Relief from Firearm Prohibitions for Retroactive Bans

In California’s complex landscape of gun control laws, Penal Code Section 29860 stands out as a provision designed to offer a measure of fairness to individuals caught in the web of evolving firearm restrictions. This section allows certain people prohibited from owning firearms due to misdemeanor convictions to petition for relief—but only under specific circumstances. As gun laws continue to…read more →

24 Oct, 2025
Victory for Second Amendment Rights in Alameda County: A Detailed Look at a Landmark CCW Challenge

Victory for Second Amendment Rights in Alameda County: A Detailed Look at a Landmark CCW Challenge

In another victory for our constitutional rights, the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, located at the Hayward Hall of Justice, recently ruled in favor of John Doe in his challenge to the Livermore Police Department’s denial of his concealed carry weapon (CCW) license. This decision, issued on October 8, 2025, under Penal Code Section 26206, marks a significant…read more →

22 Oct, 2025
Step-by-Step Explanation of California’s Firearm Background Check Process for 2025 in Plain English

Step-by-Step Explanation of California’s Firearm Background Check Process for 2025 in Plain English

The firearm background check process in California is a careful, multi-step system designed to make sure only people who are legally allowed to own or possess guns can buy them. It’s run by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) through their Bureau of Firearms (BOF), specifically the Background Clearance Unit (BCU). This process is triggered whenever someone tries to buy…read more →

3 Oct, 2025
Supreme Court Takes Up Wolford v. Lopez: A Key Battle Over Gun Rights and Property Owners’ Authority

Supreme Court Takes Up Wolford v. Lopez: A Key Battle Over Gun Rights and Property Owners’ Authority

Introduction In a significant development for Second Amendment jurisprudence, the U.S. Supreme Court today granted certiorari in Wolford v. Lopez, agreeing to review a challenge to Hawaii’s restrictive concealed carry laws. The case, docketed as No. 24-1046, centers on whether states can presumptively ban licensed handgun carriers from bringing firearms onto private property open to the public—such as stores, restaurants,…read more →

3 Oct, 2025
Understanding Firearm Laws for Nonimmigrant Aliens: A Guide for Gun Ranges and Owners

Understanding Firearm Laws for Nonimmigrant Aliens: A Guide for Gun Ranges and Owners

The United States has strict federal regulations governing firearm possession, particularly for nonimmigrant aliens—individuals admitted to the U.S. on temporary, nonimmigrant visas such as tourist (B-2), student (F-1), or work (H-1B) visas. Under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B), nonimmigrant aliens are generally prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition. This restriction has significant implications for gun ranges, firearm retailers,…read more →

22 Sep, 2025
California’s Firearm Background Check System: Databases Used

California’s Firearm Background Check System: Databases Used

In California, purchasing a firearm involves a rigorous background check process designed to ensure public safety while adhering to state and federal laws. Governed primarily by California Penal Code Section 28220, the Department of Justice (DOJ) conducts these checks to determine if a prospective buyer is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. This article explores the key databases involved,…read more →

19 Sep, 2025
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