Gun Owner Among Judges Hearing Colorado Gun Lawsuit

DENVER (AP) - A federal judge assigned to hear a lawsuit filed by sheriffs challenging Colorado's new gun laws is a gun owner herself but says she doesn't believe a recusal is warranted.

Judges typically disclose potential conflicts of interest in cases they hear.

In court documents filed Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Marcia Krieger says she owns and is proficient in the use of firearms. Magistrate Judge Michael Watanabe also is assigned to the case. He doesn't own any firearms but disclosed that he has worked with two sheriffs who are among the plaintiffs.

Both judges said they don't believe recusal is necessary.

The sheriffs contend that new Colorado laws limiting the size of ammunition magazines and expanding background checks infringe on the Second Amendment. The state hasn't filed a response yet.

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