That bang! bang! bang! you hear from the bench isn't a gavel
You'd better approach the bench with your hands up if this bill filed in the N.C. House of Representatives becomes law.
It would allow judges to carry concealed handguns in court, if they possess the necessary permit.
The measure isn't a shot in the dark. Dated March 12, it already has 44 sponsors, including Guilford Reps. Adams, Blust, Jones and Wiley.
I wonder which Guilford judges will pack.
Updating, 5 p.m.: The issue here seems to be the inconsistent level of courthouse security from one county to another.
I spoke with Catherine Eagles, chief resident Superior Court judge for Guilford County, and also with Robby Hassell, a District Court judge here. Both have been in courthouses in other counties where there's no security at courthouse entrances. Neither Eagles nor Hassell is a proponent of arming judges, but both say security is a legitimate concern in some places.
Providing security is a county responsibility. Some counties apparently can't afford to do a very good job of it. This doesn't make sense to me because the judicial system is run by the state. The state should require and fund an acceptable level of security everywhere.
I don't happen to think that letting judges carry guns is the answer. On the other hand, as Rep. John Blust told me, judges for the most part are responsible people. That's why they're judges. Which means that some people think if judges feel the need to carry personal protection, in the absence of adequate courthouse security, why not let them?
Of course, judges aren't the only people who might be endangered at times. What about witnesses in a criminal case? Jurors? Prosecutors? Even defendants might be attacked by friends or relatives of the victims. Should they all get to carry guns for personal protection? Where do you draw the line?
Well, how about with real security? Metal detectors, security guards, sheriff's deputies -- whatever it takes to make everyone feel safe in our courthouses.
Comments (6)
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I wonder which Guilford judges will pack.* Doug
The usual weapons of WMD's? AK-47's, Stringer Missles, Wild Bill Cody Smith&Jones 6 shooter 50 Cal. long barrel. Dragon Fly flack jacket, 5 Cases of MRI happy meal pack supply by Haliburton. Lawyers stripe search 4 times before entering the Judge chambers. Defendents Hog tied and gagged and chain to their lawyers chair. Oops..I thought you were talking about a court room in Baghdad?
So how many Judges were assaulted last year to cause this sudden support by the Reps in defense of the 2 amendment?
I wager 0!
By the way! Do you know why Prison guards carry no guns when guarding prisoners in prison!
So the prisoners won't over power them and use the guns against them and the public.
Posted on March 13, 2007 10:36 AM
Doug:
This is the latest example of ridiculous "gun nut" legislation. If court security is really so lax that judges feel threatened in the courthouse, then we are in a world of hurt (and this legislation isn't going to help things).
Outside of the courthouse, judges should be allowed to carry concealed weapons. It's a sad commentary that between the criminals who seem more than willing to retaliate against court officials and the right- and left-wing extremists who villify and demonize judges such measures even need to be considered.
As an editorial matter, the authors should read their bill more closely. In their zeal, they have paired the word "discharge" with the words "weapon" and "gun" in the title and at least one sentence. The comic effects notwithstanding, their wording is as poorly conceived as the bill itself.
Posted on March 13, 2007 11:30 AM
I agree, Dave. Discharge is a poor choice of words.
The list of sponsors would seem to contradict the "gun nut" assertion. I have calls in to some of them to ask why they're supporting this. My sense is there must be a logical reason, although what it is alludes me so far.
Posted on March 13, 2007 12:10 PM
I know of one Superior Court Judge who carries a handgun. Whether he does in court or not, I can't say.
When I was in law school in Texas, it seemed like everyone carried a gun.
Posted on March 13, 2007 8:30 PM
Don't mess with Texas, I guess. Or with some judges in Guilford County.
Posted on March 14, 2007 9:22 AM
When I was in law school in Texas, it seemed like everyone carried a gun.*Samuel Spagnola
One can assume that the law class with the guns pass the bar with no problems in true Texas style.
When I serve in the Army. Everybody carry a weapon without a problem. Standing Armies hate it when the citizens carry weapons.
Posted on March 14, 2007 10:12 PM