Today, a federal judge ruled California's 10-day waiting period is unconstitutional for gun owners who have already passed a background check and have a permit or certificate of eligibility to own a gun. This ruling applies to purchasers who own a gun and have already passed a background check, purchasers with concealed-carry permits, and purchasers who have a state certificate of eligibility to own a gun. First-time gun purchasers are still subject to the 10-day waiting period. Judge Anthony W. Ishii stated: "the Court emphasizes that it is expressing no opinion on the constitutionality of the 10-day waiting period in general or as applied to first time California firearms purchasers." The court ruled the waiting period burdens the right to keep and bear arms, and the reasons for the waiting period did not justify the burden in certain circumstances. Judge Ishii stayed his ruling for 180 days to allow California to change its laws. This case marks a significant victory for Second Amendment rights.
Judge Ishii's full opinion can be found here.
