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Court Rules California's Open Carry Ban Unconstitutional

1/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 2, 2026, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California's ban on openly carrying firearms in most areas violates the Second Amendment.
The court, in a 2-1 decision, sided with Mark Baird, a gun owner, citing Bruen (2022).
Judge Lawrence VanDyke, of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, emphasized open carry is a historical practice protected by the Constitution.

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Story summary

On January 2, 2026, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California's ban on openly carrying firearms in most areas violates the Second Amendment.
The court, in a 2-1 decision, sided with Mark Baird, a gun owner, citing Bruen (2022).
Judge Lawrence VanDyke, of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, emphasized open carry is a historical practice protected by the Constitution.