California Supreme Court Upholds Impossible Gun Control Law
Kevin Felts 07.02.18
In 2013, the California Legislature passed a law saying all new semi-automatic handguns sold in the state must be stamped with identifying information on the bullet casing. However, the technology as defined by the law does not exist, so gun companies have no way to comply with the law.
In 2014, the National Shooting Sports Foundation sued California over the bullet stamping law.
The case worked its way through the California legal system, and on June 28, 2018 the California Supreme issued a ruling. The ruling stated that just because the technology does not exist is no reason to invalidate the law.
California Justices Toss Bullet Stamping Suit
The Latest on a ruling by the California Supreme Court on a state bullet stamping law (all times local):
[…]
The groups argued that technology did not exist to meet the stamping requirements, and a law can’t mandate something that’s not possible.
The court said impossibility can sometimes lead courts to excuse a failure to comply with a law. But it said it can’t be the basis for invalidating a law.
Of course, the gun grabbers celebrated defeating the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Even the California Attorney General celebrated in restricting guns rights of California citizens.
Attorney General Becerra Secures Victory
“Today’s ruling confirms that California can create incentives for the gun industry to make products that serve the public’s needs,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Innovation and technology will continue to drive California to be a leader. We will not go backwards.
The California Department of Justice is committed to reducing gun violence and improving the ability of law enforcement to fight crime and hold accountable those who commit firearm murders and assaults.”
In short, the California Legislature passed a law that is almost impossible for gun manufacturers to develop technology for, and the California Supreme Court upheld the law.
Affect On Crime
Proponents of the micro-stamping law claim it would help law enforcement. Let’s be honest, knowing what gun a certain casing was fired from would have zero affect on crime.
Who is going to keep track of guns bought, sold and stolen on the streets? The person who stole a gun, will they be expected to register the gun in their name? It’s not like criminals care about laws to start with.
Bullet microstamping is not a real thing that exists in a production gun, and even if it did it would have exactly zero value for law enforcement and save zero lives. It’s just a backdoor gun ban.
— Jon Stokes (@jonst0kes) July 1, 2018
Opinion
What kind of law is next? Gun owners have to have an IQ of 200 and a medical degree before they can own a gun? Maybe aptitude testing for all gun owners in California?
There is an old saying that goes something like this: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” California gun grabbers may have the best of intentions with such outlandish laws. However, where should society draw the line when it comes to rights?
First, they came for the guns, but I did not care because I did not own a gun.
Then, they came for the conservatives, I did not care because I am a liberal.
Then, they came for me, but there was nobody left to speak up.
When it comes to rights, California is on a slippery slope. That road paved with gold may just end up in hell.
