District of Columbia V. Heller

[Niner]

The Washington DC gun law that makes it a crime to own a handgun and the subsequent supreme court hearing known as the Heller case that challenges it has significant meaning to gun owners in the US depending on what state you live in and what the political climate is there.

I recently became aware that the oral arguments had been posted on the internet. Lots of interesting statements and questions. If you got some time, you might want to take a look.

One thing that our Brit members will note of is the reference to the 1689 British Bill of Rights and how that influenced the framers of the US Constitution and the second amendment. The British version of the late 17th century allowed for the bearing of arms of its citizens....except Scots and Catholics of course, which may or may not have had something to do with my family tree being in the US.

http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/200 ... /argument/

[dhtaxi]

My word Iv got something in common with Adam we are both according to the bill of rights forbidden to bear arms him being Scottish and me being Catholic.

[DuncaninFrance]

YOU WILL JUST HAVE TO ROLL UP YOUR TROUSERS AND 'BEAR' LEGS INSTEAD

[Niner]

The Supreme Court decided in favor of gun rights in Washington DC, although the question remains for other places like Chicago.

The presidential candidates and their reactions:

http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politic ... un_de.html

If you live in Chicago, as place not directly part of the ruling, the laws there are really seriously anti gun ownership. I got this from Wikipedia or however you spell it.

Illinois has some of the most restrictive firearm laws in the country.

To possess or purchase firearms or ammunition, Illinois residents must have a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card, which is issued by the state police.[35] Generally an FOID will be granted unless the applicant has been convicted of a felony or an act of domestic violence, is the subject of an order of protection, has been convicted of assault or battery or been a patient in a mental institution within the last five years, or has been adjudicated as a mental defective.[36] There are additional requirements for applicants under the age of 21.[37]

There is no state preemption of firearm laws, with the result that some localities have outlawed the possession of handguns. These include the Chicago suburbs of Winnetka,[38] Wilmette,[39] Morton Grove,[40] Evanston,[41] and Oak Park.[42] Highland Park also prohibits handguns, unless the resident has obtained a permit from the police.[43] Some municipalities, most notably Chicago, require that all firearms be registered with the local police department.[44] Chicago does not allow the registration of handguns, which has the effect of outlawing their possession, unless they were grandfathered in by being registered before April 16, 1982.[45][46] Additionally, Cook County has banned assault weapons and magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition.[47] Other municipalities have also enacted various firearm restrictions.[48] Lack of preemption makes it difficult to travel throughout Illinois with a firearm while being sure that no laws are being broken.