Oregon Supreme Court Hears Ballot Measure 114
11.06.2025
This morning, the Oregon Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of Ballot Measure 114.
It is always dangerous to draw conclusions about a possible decision (which we will not have for a while) based on the behavior and questions from the judges. You will recall that when this matter was before the Oregon Court of Appeals they concluded that magazines were certainly protected arms and then bizarrely concluded that they could be regulated out of existence.
However, the Court did raise valid questions and did seem to be carefully considering the positions taken by Tony Aiello, the attorney arguing against Ballot Measure 114. As he has in the past, Aiello demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the law and once again did an excellent job defending the fundamental rights of Oregonians as articulated in the Oregon Constitution. Aiello was well prepared for every question and challenge from the bench.
This is the last stop for Ballot Measure 114 on a state level. Given the makeup and history of the Oregon courts, it would be wise to not be too optimistic about the outcome. As usual, we hope we are wrong on this issue. And, keep in mind, that, irrespective of the outcome, the Oregon Legislature will continue to enact every possible impediment to gun ownership in Oregon even as it seeks to protect criminals and the violently mentally ill.
Our federal lawsuit against 114 still languishes in the 9th Circuit and probably will for some time.
Our thanks to Mr. Aiello for a job well done. Now we wait.