The Public Opinion Soapbox

me · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 119

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia council members have asked a court today to overturn a law that stops them from adopting local gun-control laws.

They say the state's loose gun laws contribute to the city's rampant gun violence.

A 1974 state law gives only the General Assembly authority over gun laws.

But city lawyers argued in Commonwealth Court today that the Legislature has abandoned its responsibility to protect citizens.

Statehouse lawyers want the court to dismiss the suit. They blame the violence on criminals.

Either way, the case is expected to reach the state Supreme Court.

Hmm, maybe they should suceed and become their own state and stop waisting the rest of our money on such nonsense!!

And can you imagine the precidence this would set if the "Legislature has abandoned its responsibility to protect citizens" argument is successful??????? I don't think they're doing the best they can, but abandoned is pretty strong.
_________________
Certainly there is no hunting like the hunting of man and those who have hunted armed men long enough and like it, never really care for anything else thereafter.

armed_citizen · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 212 Location: Chambersburg, PA

I do not expect them to prevail in this matter. This is yet another feel good step they are taking, claiming an effort to curb the crime epidemic instead of making a strong use of existing laws. More laws will accomplish nothing when charges are bargained away and those who are sentenced get released early.

What isn't as widely known is that many townships and counties have ordinances already on the books that violate the state preemption (Title 18 §6120). Lancaster county recently attempted to enact regulations in violation of state law, and was quickly swamped with phone calls, e-mails and threats of litigation if they proceeded.

Adams county is attempting to correct language which doesn't comply with state law, but I've seen the draft of the new proposal, and it has several flaws remaining as well.

York county parks also has "No Firearms" as one of their use rules, again in violation of state law. Anyone that is cited under any of these regulations should take the matter to court. The law on the matter is very brief and very clear.