California must allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed
firearms in public, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, striking
down the core of the state's permit system for handguns.
In a 2-1 decision, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
in San Francisco said San Diego County violates the Constitution's
Second Amendment by requiring residents to show "good cause" - and not
merely the desire to protect themselves - to obtain a
concealed-weapons permit.
State law requires applicants to
demonstrate good cause, as well as good moral character, to carry
concealed handguns, while leaving the permit process up to each city and
county. The ruling, if it stands, would require local governments to
issue permits to anyone of good moral character who wants to carry a
concealed gun for self-protection.
"The right to bear arms
includes the right to carry an operable firearm outside the home for the
lawful purpose of self-defense," Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain said in the majority opinion.
Read more at SF Gate
