DC files appeal on ruling overturning their gun ban

As previously anticipated, the DC government sent their official appeal to the Supreme Court today, basically asking that the lower court’s ruling overturning their gun ban be set aside.

The District of Columbia on Tuesday appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that struck down the city’s 30-year-old ban on private handgun ownership.

If the Supreme Court takes the case, it could lead to the first direct ruling by the high court on the Second Amendment since 1939. Activists on both sides say they would welcome such a ruling. Gun control advocates have a lot to lose, however, since a ruling against the district could affect tough gun laws in other cities and states. 

DC Mayor Fenty trotted out the old “more guns only generates more violence” argument. Considering that virtually every locality that has lifted existing bans and enacted “shall-issue” and expanded carry concealed laws has seen a decrease in their violent crime I’d say the Mayor’s not on solid ground. I’m very glad they sent the appeal up to the Supreme Court, however. We need a direct ruling affirming an individual right to keep and bear arms to set this matter to rest. I’ll keep my eyes open for more on this issue.