Politics & Government

Court to Allow San Diego County Journalist Right to Carry a Concealed Weapon

In San Diego County, residents must pass a training course and show valid reasons for needing a concealed weapon.

A federal appeals court today reversed a lower court ruling that denied a journalist's right to carry a concealed weapon in San Diego County, saying that the county's restriction infringes on Second Amendment rights.

In a 2-1 decision, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned San Diego County permit requirements because they denied law- abiding citizens the right to carry a concealed weapon in public for self- defense.

The appeals court said San Diego County's policy was too restrictive because it required applicants to show a specific concern for personal safety.

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"Given this requirement, the 'typical' responsible, law-abiding citizen in San Diego County cannot bear arms in public for self-defense," Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain said in the majority opinion.

California law generally prohibits carrying guns in public, but residents can apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon in the city or county where they live or work.

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In San Diego County, residents must pass a training course and show valid reasons for needing a concealed weapon.

In the San Diego case before U.S. District Judge Irma Gonzalez, several people sued the county of San Diego, saying they were denied the right to carry a concealed weapon, and the judge ruled for the county.

The appeals court ordered the case sent back to San Diego for further proceedings.

—City News Service

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