[PRpond]
In a major defeat for America’s gun lobby, the U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday (6/26/2017) to review a California law requiring that a person demonstrate “good cause” before obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The decision leaves standing the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling from last year upholding a San Diego County Sheriff’s Department policy on concealed carry permits. That policy denies the issuing of permits unless the applicant can show a need for self-defense.
The Court’s 7 to 2 decision is “welcome news for California and gun safety everywhere,” said California Atty Gen. Xavier Becerra. “It leaves in place an important and common-sense firearm regulation, one that promotes public safety, respects 2nd Amendment rights and values the judgment of sheriffs and police chiefs throughout the state on what works best for their communities.”
Opponents of the policy have argued that California’s “good cause” law violates the 2nd Amendment by making it virtually impossible to carry a firearm in many parts of the state.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch dissented Monday, arguing that the case should have been heard.
