Federal Judge Rules Northern Mariana Islands Handgun Ban Violates 2A

[hack89]

A United States federal court ruled on Monday that the gun licensing law in the Mariana Islands Commonwealth violates the Second Amendment.

The U.S. territory bans the possession or importation of handguns and handgun ammunition. It requires that all residents obtain a special license if they wish to possess a firearm. Those applying for the license, called a Weapons Identification Card, or “WIC,” are required to be either a U.S. citizen or U.S. national and to prove they have a good reason to possess a firearm. Self-defense is not among the acceptable reasons.

Ramona Manglona, chief judge of the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, struck down all of those provisions as unconstitutional. The Obama-appointee required that Mariana Islands officials immediately stop enforcing its handgun ban, begin issuing WICs to lawful permanent aliens, and accept self-defense as a valid reason for obtaining a WIC. It also ordered the U.S. territory to pay the plaintiffs’ legal fees.

[TeddyR]

1. Interesting

Especially with respect to the requirement that the Islands accept self-defense as a valid "good cause" reason. I know that a number of other states impose a "good cause" requirement for concealed carry and there is ongoing litigation over what that means.

[jonno99]

2. Just another reminder that "bad guys" are going to carry concealed - regardless of the law.

(standing by for the obligatory "well, the mere presence of a gun will turn good folks into bad - or some such... &quot

[Eleanors38]

3. These and other rulings re-enforce Heller & McDonald as legitimate decisions.

[ileus]

4. Why should you have to prove to a 1%er that you believe your life is worth protecting.

[beergood]

5. thats Interesting

Ramona Manglona is an Obama-appointee. this defiantly disproves the idea that Obama is coming for your guns.