Colorado Sheriffs Try to Block New Ammunition Magazine Laws Adopted After Mass Shootings
Sheriffs in 54 of Colorado’s 64 counties filed a lawsuit in May seeking to overturn both laws, arguing that they violate the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. But it’s the magazine limit that will be under scrutiny when U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger hears arguments on whether to grant a preliminary injunction on the law while the lawsuit advances. A written ruling will be issued later.
Both laws took effect July 1. Most of the sheriffs behind the lawsuit represent rural, gun-friendly parts of the state.
The lawsuit contends the magazine law lacks clarity because it bans magazines that are “designed to be readily converted” to hold more than 15 rounds.
“Nobody really knows what that means,” said David Kopel, the attorney representing the sheriffs. Opponents maintain that many magazines can be easily converted to hold more rounds. Kopel will also argue that the law is vague about what happens to larger magazines that were grandfathered in.
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