Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A federal appeals court in California ruled that Americans do not have a constitutional right to carry concealed weapons in public.
While the decision doesn't affect Arkansas at this time, it's a ruling that could ultimately end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge weighed in on the decision, saying she thinks it's unconstitutional.
"I wholeheartedly disagree with the 9th Circuit's decision," said Rutledge.
AG Rutledge released the following statement:
The idea that a State can completely ban or unfairly restrict the right of a law-abiding citizen to carry a concealed weapon ignores the written text and history of the Second Amendment and is unconstitutional. I believe states can create concealed carry permitting laws consistent with the Constitution, but such laws must be fair, even-handed and not unduly restrictive of the ability of citizens to actually obtain conceal and carry permits. San Diego County's concealed carry permitting scheme amounts to a total or nearly total ban on concealed carry, which is why I joined an amicus brief in support of the gun owners in this case.
Arkansas was one of 21 states that filed an amicus brief in April 2015 in the case, challenging San Diego County's effective prohibition of both open and concealed carry of firearms.
"This limitation essentially resulted in a ban because it made it almost impossible for citizens of San Diego to be able to get over that hurdle," said Rutledge.
Rutledge says unlike San Diego, Arkansas has a very fair process for those who apply for a concealed carry license.
"It's important for all Americans and Arkansans to be able to defend themselves against those who threaten to harm them," Rutledge said.