Measure 114 case in Oregon Supreme Court pits gun ownership tradition against public safety concerns

The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday questioned whether the historical presence of guns in the state could usurp the public safety concerns justifying a voter-approved law that prevents sale or transfer of magazines with more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

The hearing marked the culmination of arguments over Measure 114, which a narrow majority of Oregon voters approved in 2022. Advocates from both sides of the ongoing fight to implement one of the nation’s most stringent gun control provisions filled the courtroom in Salem.

Along with banning high-capacity magazines, Measure 114 requires completed background checks, permits and firearm safety training before purchasing guns. But the law still hasn’t taken effect because it promptly drew legal challenges in both state and federal courts.