Supreme Court Rejects Gun Rights Case

The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a California case related to citizen’s rights to carry a gun outside their home.

In Edward Peruta, Et Al v. California, Et Al, the plaintiff complains that the San Diego County Sheriff is unjustly infringing upon his right to carry a firearm for self-defense outside of his home.

California State Law prohibits concealed carry unless a resident obtains a license by showing “good cause.”

The San Diego County Sheriff requires applicants to show a particular need, substantiated by documentary
evidence, to carry a firearm for self-defense. The sheriff ’s policy specifies that “concern for one’s personal
safety” does not “alone” satisfy this requirement.

As California also prohibits the open carry of firearms, the State and County together have made it impossible for ordinary citizens to bear arms outside their home.

“I find it extremely improbable that the Framers understood the Second Amendment to protect little more than carrying a gun from the bedroom to the kitchen,” Justice Thomas said in his dissent. “For those of us who work in marbled halls, guarded constantly by a vigilant and dedicated police force, the guarantees of the Second Amendment might seem antiquated and superfluous. But the Framers made a clear choice: They reserved to all Americans the right to bear arms for self-defense. I do not think we should stand by idly while a State denies its citizens that right, particularly when their very lives may depend on it. ”

Justices Neil Gorsuch joined with Justice Clarence Thomas in dissent against the Court’s decision.