Federal Judge Upholds Maryland Assault Rifle Ban

A federal judge on Tuesday upheld Maryland's new ban on assault rifles and magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, handing at least a temporary victory to state officials who say the measures could ward off mass shootings, reports the Baltimore Sun .

A collection of gun owners, stores and industry groups had sued the state, saying the bans violated their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Judge Catherine C. Blake disagreed, writing flatly: "I find the law constitutional."

Blake's decision adds to a growing list of legal victories for states that have tightened their gun laws in recent years, even after the Supreme Court decided in 2008 that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms.

Gun rights advocates say they are not disheartened, however, and plan to keep fighting.