Written by William Hale
For the first time in over a decade, the Supreme Court will be hearing a case regarding America’s second amendment. The court’s decisions of New York Rifle and Pistol Association vs. Bruen will likely have implications for the future of San Diego’s gun control legislation regardless of the outcome.
California’s “good cause” law operates in similar fashion to New York’s “proper cause” requirement for those applying for a concealed carry permit. The regulation shared between the two states essentially means that individuals are required to have a specific reason or cause for wanting to obtain a concealed carry permit for their firearm. Oftentimes, this “good cause” is justified for people who work high-risk jobs or are concerned with particular violent individuals.
Overturning the “proper cause” regulation in New York could extend to San Diego’s “good cause” — the result being a lot less restriction for San Diegans who intend on carrying. However, this is not the first instance of a gun-control debate relevant to San Diego. The city’s District Court Judge Roger Benitez has previously advocated for lessening government regulation of gun owners, and the 2017 “Peruta vs. California” case came close to overturning the “good cause” requirement, but the Supreme Court rejected to hear the case.
Proponents of overturning the “good cause” requirement include Michael Schwartz, the Executive Director of the San Diego County Gun Owners PAC. Schwartz makes the point that restricting law-abiding San Diegans with gun-regulation is actually “making the community less safe.” Schwartz also said that hopefully “the Supreme Court will see what a burden that is [the proper cause requirement] for sane, trained, law-abiding gun owners.”
This high-court case has the potential to influence the future of America’s revered second amendment. Gun rights advocates are confident that the Supreme Court will side with them given the current composition of the Supreme Court. Arguments will start on November 3rd but it will be months before we hear anything on a ruling.
Photo Cred: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
