The 9th Circuit’s Anti-Gun Streak May Be Ending

For decades, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has carried a reputation as one of the most activist courts in the United States. Texas Senator Ted Cruz described it plainly in a clip shared during Copper Jacket TV’s recent video: these judges, he said, “too often [are] wrong on the law, too often hostile to the Constitution, and too often willing to substitute their own left-wing politics for the rule of law.” This is the same court that has consistently been at odds with gun owners, often siding with states on restrictive firearm regulations.

William From Copper Jacket TV Explains

According to William, the host of Copper Jacket TV, the reach of the Ninth Circuit cannot be underestimated. In his recent report, he pointed out that this court oversees huge parts of the western United States: Montana, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. A single ruling from the Ninth Circuit affects tens of millions of people, and for years, those rulings have leaned in favor of strict gun control.

Overturned More Than Any Other Court

William made sure to emphasize one thing: “The Ninth Circuit is one of the most overturned courts in the entire country.” He explained that when their decisions reach the Supreme Court, they are frequently struck down. This constant reversal is largely blamed on a pattern of rulings shaped by judicial activism instead of strict adherence to the Constitution.

A Shift Begins With New Appointments

But now, according to William, something significant is starting to change. “Thankfully,” he said, “the Ninth Circuit has become a little bit more conservative over the years. That’s thanks to judicial nominations from President Trump.” One of the most well-known recent appointees is Judge Lawrence VanDyke, described by William as a “star” when it comes to Second Amendment issues.

Judge VanDyke’s Influence

William reminded viewers that Judge VanDyke is the same figure who made a video dissent in the well-known Duncan v. Bonta case, breaking down in detail why California’s magazine ban violated constitutional protections. His presence has already shifted the tone of some panels, and this alone has been a glimmer of hope for gun rights advocates in a court often unfriendly to them.

A New Nominee: Eric Tung

The real news, however, is a new name: Eric Tung. William explained that this latest nominee is expected to have a strong influence on future Second Amendment rulings. Tung recently appeared before the Senate for a confirmation hearing, and his record already shows that he approaches law in a way that could be a major change for the Ninth Circuit.

A Judge With Ties to Shooting Sports

One detail that caught everyone’s attention was uncovered in Tung’s official Senate questionnaire. As William described in his video, the form asks for memberships and affiliations. Tung disclosed that since 2020, he has been a member of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). For a judicial nominee to a historically anti-gun court, this personal involvement in shooting sports is a rare and telling fact.

Belief in Originalism

In a clip shown during the Copper Jacket TV report, Tung clearly stated his philosophy: “Originalism is the method of interpreting the Constitution that looks to the original public meaning of the text when it was ratified. It gives the power to the people and not to unelected judges who have life tenure.” This approach, grounded in text and history, is exactly what many gun owners have wanted to hear.

Why It Matters for Gun Rights

William made the connection between Tung’s legal philosophy and the future of the Second Amendment: “He believes that today’s laws should be rooted in the founding era and the text of the Constitution which is extremely important and exactly what is needed at the Ninth Circuit especially when it comes to our Second Amendment rights which are being infringed on a daily basis.”

A Slow but Noticeable Shift

William also pointed out that the larger trend of judicial appointments matters. “One of the biggest reasons people put Trump in office,” he said, “is exactly this – judicial nominations.” These appointments don’t just affect the Supreme Court but also the circuit courts, where most cases end. As more judges who respect the original meaning of the Constitution are seated, rulings start to look different.

What Could Change

What makes this news fascinating is how one or two key appointments can completely shift the outcome of cases. Courts that have been openly hostile to the Second Amendment could become balanced, or even protective of individual rights, if judges like Tung are confirmed. This is an example of how slow-moving processes in Washington can have a dramatic long-term effect on constitutional rights.

A Court That Could No Longer Be Predictable

The Ninth Circuit has long been seen as a court where gun control advocates have the upper hand. William suggested that we might be entering a new phase: “The more conservatives and the more pro-2A people we can actually get on the bench, the better it is for generations to come. And so, seeing this shift is a good feeling. But we’ll see what he does when he actually gets there because everybody can talk a good game until they actually get on the bench.”

Hope, But With Caution

There is no certainty yet. Tung still has to be confirmed. As William mentioned, “Hopefully we have an ally on our side for that case. But we’ll see what he does when he actually gets there.” The path forward is still uncertain, but the direction is clear: the Ninth Circuit could become less predictable for anti-gun rulings.

Structure of the Courts Matters

From a broader perspective, this story is a reminder that the structure of the courts matters far more than most daily political fights. The Ninth Circuit has shaped gun laws for millions of Americans, sometimes in ways that ignore clear constitutional text. Watching that same court gain judges with a respect for original meaning and individual rights is an important development. It shows how elections and judicial appointments can have ripple effects for decades.

A Turning Point in the West

If confirmed, Eric Tung’s presence on the Ninth Circuit could represent a significant turning point for the entire western United States. The court’s history of striking down Second Amendment rights may finally be forced to reckon with judges who refuse to bend constitutional language to fit politics. And for gun owners living under those rulings, that could mean a very different future.

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The article The 9th Circuit’s Anti-Gun Streak May Be Ending first appeared on Survival World.