Suit Filed Over Country's 'Toughest' Gun Law

The toughest-in-the-nation gun-control law passed in Connecticut in the wake of Sandy Hook shooting is getting its first legal challenge—but state officials don't seem worried. The Connecticut Citizen's Defense League and Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen have, with an assist from the NRA, filed a lawsuit that claims the law (which bans 100 types of assault weapons and magazines that can contain more than 10 rounds) violates the state Constitution and Second Amendment. "Criminals and the mentally ill will not abide by this terrible law, which means it has the perverse effect of actually making citizens and law enforcement officers less safe," CCDL's president said.

A spokesman for Gov. Dannel Malloy told the Connecticut Post the lawsuit was expected, and didn't seem too flustered. "In prior instances where Connecticut has passed common-sense restrictions on firearms, there have been challenges. They have all been unsuccessful." In addition to the two sportsmen's groups, the lawsuit names eight individual plaintiffs, including a woman with one arm who cited her difficulty in quickly changing magazines as the reason why she needs high-capacity versions to protect herself. (More Connecticut stories.)