Just ran across this article recently and was wondering if anything has changed since....?
On April 10 2002, an Ohio appellate court unanimously ruled that Ohio's ban on carrying concealed weapons, in effect since 1974, violated the people's right to keep and bear arms.
The appellate court also upheld a lower court's dismissal of the prosecution of a pizza deliveryman who carried a handgun in his waistband for protection while making his deliveries.
Since 1851, the Ohio Constitution has said, "the people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security." In striking down the ban, the court noted that the framers of the Ohio Constitution "put the citizens' rights up front. We believe they meant what they said."
This ruling is a victory for the citizens of Ohio.
Prior to the decision, Ohio was one of six states that have nearly complete bans on the carrying of concealed weapons for self-defense. Thirty-two states, including every state bordering Ohio, have concealed weapon licensing statutes that require the issuance of a carry permit to citizens who undergo a background check and meet certain objective criteria, including, generally, that they be at least 21, have no felony conviction and have completed a gun safety course.
Since 1987, nearly all of those states have enacted the "shall issue" licensing systems. The horrors predicted by critics — that such laws would transform our cities into "Dodge Cities," where blood would run in the streets as citizens took to settling disputes with gunfire — have not materialized. Apparently, this portrait of the ordinary citizen as one insufficiently restrained by moral and legal injunctions against murder, who has murderous impulses that he would promptly act upon if only a gun were handy, is false.
Moreover, research by Yale University economist John Lott, and publicized in his book, More Guns, Less Crime, shows that states that have enacted concealed-carry laws have experienced a notable decrease in violent crimes against persons.
Eleven states, including California and New York, still have the older, discretionary licensing statutes. They permit the chief of police or a local judge to issue carry permits to persons of "good character" who have some "good reason" or "proper cause" to carry a gun. The language of these statutes is so vague that issuance of carry permits is completely discretionary, and generally these statutes are administered as near-total bans, especially in cities and suburbs.
In New York City, for example, the people who seem most often to have both "good moral character" and "proper cause" to carry (besides those whose work requires them to carry) are celebrities, such as Howard Stern, or persons who have wealth, political influence or connections. Meanwhile, cab drivers — who are murdered or shot more frequently than police officers and far more frequently than celebrities — fail time and again to have "proper cause."
In this manner, discretionary licensing schemes reveal an ugly fact: the state that operates on the basis of such a law clearly believes that only certain of its citizens are important enough to warrant the right of self-protection; the rest can just take their chances.
Only one state, Vermont, has neither a ban nor a licensing system. Vermont's law prohibits carrying with intent to commit a crime, but does not prohibit carrying for self-defense. Since even "shall issue" licensing systems constitute a prior restraint upon our right, Vermont is the only state that respects the right to bear arms.
If you believe that it is laws that keep you safe, then you should steer clear of Vermont, because in this regard it is "lawless." Evidently, however, the tourists who flock there year after year do not perceive the great danger they face because of an absence of words in the Vermont statute books. Apparently they are sufficiently assured of their safety solely on the basis of the trustworthy character of the Vermonters that they meet.
For many years, Ohio's gun owners have unsuccessfully lobbied their representatives to repeal the concealed-carry ban and pass a "shall issue" licensing system. If Ohio state officials appeal the appellate ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court and that court strikes down the ban on carrying concealed weapons, Ohio would join Vermont as one of two states that respects the right of the people to carry weapons for their defense.
Paradoxically, the Ohio Court of Appeals decision may, therefore, finally drive the Ohio governor and legislature to enact a "shall issue" licensing scheme. It may be the only way left to address the terrible fear that Ohioans may begin exercising their rights without benefit of state supervision or approval.
Jeff Snyder is the author of the Cato Institute study, "Fighting Back: Crime, Self-Defense and the Right to Carry a Handgun," and the new book, Nation of Cowards - Essays on the Ethics of Gun Control (Accurate Press).
O/T CCW, Old news...?
Moderator: Excalibur Marketing Dude
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wabi - nli
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Gary in Ohio
That is very old news. That case went to the state supreame court who said "Screw the constitution, we're in charge!" and overturned the case.
Anyway the legislature passed a CCW law. But I haven't rushed out to get one yet. If you're carrying in your car your gun must be unloaded and in plain sight or locked up. You cannot carry in a restaurant if they serve alcohol, a public events like a sporting games and festivals or in a church. Businesses, like stores, can refuse to allow CCW.
Anyway the legislature passed a CCW law. But I haven't rushed out to get one yet. If you're carrying in your car your gun must be unloaded and in plain sight or locked up. You cannot carry in a restaurant if they serve alcohol, a public events like a sporting games and festivals or in a church. Businesses, like stores, can refuse to allow CCW.
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Guest
Addendum: As of 2003 Alaska followed Vermont's lead concerning CCW.
"HB-102, signed by the Governor on June 11, 2003 changes Alaska Statute 11.61.220 to allow anyone who may legally carry a firearm to also carry it concealed without having to obtain a special permit if 21 years of age or older. The possession of a firearm at courthouses, school yards, bars and domestic violence shelters will continue to be prohibited. Alaskans may still obtain a concealed carry permit if they want reciprocity with other states or want to continue to be exempt from background checks when purchasing firearms. The effective date of this law change is September 9th, 2003."
How can the irrational anti-gun groups explain the "Vermont paradox"? In other words: How can a state with the most relaxed gun laws have one of the lowest crime rates in the Country?
Last time I checked we were 49th in violent crime and 47th in murders per 100,000 people.
We've had this right in Vermont since 1791 when our fore fathers wrote the State Constitution (Article 16). It's only been challenged once, and that was in 1907.
Even liberal Gov. Howard Dean never dared tread on this historical right.
This State was founded by local militias who fought off Tory Yorkers and Hampshire grants/claims in what is now Vermont. Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys were a tough bunch.
Yes, I'm proud of Vermont.
"HB-102, signed by the Governor on June 11, 2003 changes Alaska Statute 11.61.220 to allow anyone who may legally carry a firearm to also carry it concealed without having to obtain a special permit if 21 years of age or older. The possession of a firearm at courthouses, school yards, bars and domestic violence shelters will continue to be prohibited. Alaskans may still obtain a concealed carry permit if they want reciprocity with other states or want to continue to be exempt from background checks when purchasing firearms. The effective date of this law change is September 9th, 2003."
How can the irrational anti-gun groups explain the "Vermont paradox"? In other words: How can a state with the most relaxed gun laws have one of the lowest crime rates in the Country?
Last time I checked we were 49th in violent crime and 47th in murders per 100,000 people.We've had this right in Vermont since 1791 when our fore fathers wrote the State Constitution (Article 16). It's only been challenged once, and that was in 1907.
Even liberal Gov. Howard Dean never dared tread on this historical right.
This State was founded by local militias who fought off Tory Yorkers and Hampshire grants/claims in what is now Vermont. Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys were a tough bunch.
Yes, I'm proud of Vermont.
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Marmot
Here in the People's Republic of Maryland, we still have "may issue" CCW law. I used to think that gun control was a big issue in the state because we are next door to the "Murder Capital of the World" (i.e., Washington, D.C.). However, seeing that Virginia has "shall issue" law, I guess that we just have too many citizens that are afraid of guns and want them to go away.
Recently, not far from where I live, a kid accidentally shot a girl with a handgun he took out of his father's gun safe (I have posted an article below). The plain hard fact is that the kid failed to honor the "Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety." The gun control freaks are once again blaming the gun and not his parents for failing firmly to instill these tenets.
Teenage girl wounded in handgun accident
An 18-year-old playing with a handgun he grabbed out of his father's safe accidentally shot and seriously wounded a teenage girl Tuesday afternoon in his Woodbine home.
The girl, Katie L. Weyer, 17, of the 14000 block of Howard Road in Dayton, was in a first-floor bathroom when she was hit in the chest by a bullet from the small-caliber gun fired accidentally by Benjamin M. Allen, said Pfc. Richard Malcolm, a Howard police spokesman.
Allen had taken out the gun to show to the girl and three 18-year-old friends, Malcolm said.
Police were dispatched to the house in the 800 block of Iron Rail Court about 4:30 p.m. in response to a 911 call reporting the shooting, the spokesman said.
Police said Allen appeared to have accidentally discharged the gun while standing in the home's office, where the safe was. The bathroom where the girl was standing is across the hall from the office, police said.
Recently, not far from where I live, a kid accidentally shot a girl with a handgun he took out of his father's gun safe (I have posted an article below). The plain hard fact is that the kid failed to honor the "Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety." The gun control freaks are once again blaming the gun and not his parents for failing firmly to instill these tenets.
Teenage girl wounded in handgun accident
An 18-year-old playing with a handgun he grabbed out of his father's safe accidentally shot and seriously wounded a teenage girl Tuesday afternoon in his Woodbine home.
The girl, Katie L. Weyer, 17, of the 14000 block of Howard Road in Dayton, was in a first-floor bathroom when she was hit in the chest by a bullet from the small-caliber gun fired accidentally by Benjamin M. Allen, said Pfc. Richard Malcolm, a Howard police spokesman.
Allen had taken out the gun to show to the girl and three 18-year-old friends, Malcolm said.
Police were dispatched to the house in the 800 block of Iron Rail Court about 4:30 p.m. in response to a 911 call reporting the shooting, the spokesman said.
Police said Allen appeared to have accidentally discharged the gun while standing in the home's office, where the safe was. The bathroom where the girl was standing is across the hall from the office, police said.
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Guest
One last item of interest: There is no law on the VT statute books to prevent us from carrying a loaded and concealed handgun while in a vehicle. Consequently, the incidence of car-jackings is approx. ZERO. 
None of my friends CCW on their person, but a few do have loaded handguns in their trucks/cars within arms reach.
Criminals BEWARE!!
None of my friends CCW on their person, but a few do have loaded handguns in their trucks/cars within arms reach.
Criminals BEWARE!! -
Tragically Hip
http://www.morganquitno.com/dang9402.htm
Ranking of "1" is Most Dangerous; "50" is Safest
(NOTE: The awards for 1994 through 1996 were based on a different methodology and are not directly comparable. The awards were based on a formula averaging a state's ranking in 14 to 16 categories of crime, police and corrections.)
STATE
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
Alabama
17
19
21
19
20
21
23
20
16
Alaska
11
5
13
11
13
10
12
14
24
Arizona
5
7
7
8
9
6
5
7
9
Arkansas
22
25
22
20
23
25
25
26
30
California
13
17
12
10
7
5
6
8
6
Colorado
30
26
26
31
29
31
21
18
20
Connecticut
37
37
34
35
32
32
30
36
31
Delaware
12
10
11
17
18
16
33
12
21
Florida
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
4
5
Georgia
16
13
14
14
12
17
15
21
11
Hawaii
28
33
35
29
31
29
27
30
28
Idaho
46
42
40
41
41
40
38
35
39
Illinois
10
11
9
9
10
8
8
5
4
Indiana
26
24
25
24
26
27
29
31
25
Iowa
44
43
42
42
44
42
45
45
48
Kansas
23
23
27
28
30
31
26
23
15
Kentucky
35
38
39
37
38
37
34
44
42
Louisiana
1
4
4
3
1
3
2
1
1
Maine
49
48
48
48
48
48
49
50
49
Maryland
4
6
5
7
4
4
4
2
2
Massachusetts
32
30
29
30
28
26
31
28
29
Michigan
9
12
10
12
11
12
13
13
12
Minnesota
34
36
33
32
33
33
36
42
34
Mississippi
20
16
16
13
19
19
20
25
32
Missouri
21
21
20
22
21
20
9
17
14
Montana
42
45
45
46
43
43
41
38
41
Nebraska
36
34
37
39
39
41
42
43
44
Nevada
7
3
3
1
3
1
1
3
7
New Hampshire
43
49
49
49
49
49
47
47
45
New Jersey
33
31
30
27
24
24
22
22
17
New Mexico
3
1
1
4
5
7
7
9
13
New York
24
22
23
23
16
14
14
11
8
North Carolina
15
14
15
16
17
18
17
19
22
North Dakota
50
50
50
50
50
50
48
46
47
Ohio
25
28
28
26
27
28
29
29
23
Oklahoma
19
18
18
18
15
13
16
15
18
Oregon
30
27
24
25
25
23
19
24
27
Pennsylvania
31
29
31
33
34
34
39
38
37
Rhode Island
27
32
38
38
36
36
44
41
36
South Carolina
8
8
6
6
6
11
10
10
10
South Dakota
47
44
47
44
46
46
43
37
43
Tennessee
6
9
8
5
8
9
18
16
19
Texas
14
15
17
15
14
15
11
6
3
Utah
39
39
32
34
35
35
35
33
35
Vermont
48
47
46
47
47
47
50
49
50
Virginia
38
35
36
36
37
38
32
32
38
Washington
18
20
19
21
22
22
24
27
26
West Virginia
41
40
44
45
45
45
46
48
46
Wisconsin
40
41
41
40
40
39
37
34
33
Wyoming
45
46
43
43
42
44
40
40
40
Ranking of "1" is Most Dangerous; "50" is Safest
(NOTE: The awards for 1994 through 1996 were based on a different methodology and are not directly comparable. The awards were based on a formula averaging a state's ranking in 14 to 16 categories of crime, police and corrections.)
STATE
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
Alabama
17
19
21
19
20
21
23
20
16
Alaska
11
5
13
11
13
10
12
14
24
Arizona
5
7
7
8
9
6
5
7
9
Arkansas
22
25
22
20
23
25
25
26
30
California
13
17
12
10
7
5
6
8
6
Colorado
30
26
26
31
29
31
21
18
20
Connecticut
37
37
34
35
32
32
30
36
31
Delaware
12
10
11
17
18
16
33
12
21
Florida
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
4
5
Georgia
16
13
14
14
12
17
15
21
11
Hawaii
28
33
35
29
31
29
27
30
28
Idaho
46
42
40
41
41
40
38
35
39
Illinois
10
11
9
9
10
8
8
5
4
Indiana
26
24
25
24
26
27
29
31
25
Iowa
44
43
42
42
44
42
45
45
48
Kansas
23
23
27
28
30
31
26
23
15
Kentucky
35
38
39
37
38
37
34
44
42
Louisiana
1
4
4
3
1
3
2
1
1
Maine
49
48
48
48
48
48
49
50
49
Maryland
4
6
5
7
4
4
4
2
2
Massachusetts
32
30
29
30
28
26
31
28
29
Michigan
9
12
10
12
11
12
13
13
12
Minnesota
34
36
33
32
33
33
36
42
34
Mississippi
20
16
16
13
19
19
20
25
32
Missouri
21
21
20
22
21
20
9
17
14
Montana
42
45
45
46
43
43
41
38
41
Nebraska
36
34
37
39
39
41
42
43
44
Nevada
7
3
3
1
3
1
1
3
7
New Hampshire
43
49
49
49
49
49
47
47
45
New Jersey
33
31
30
27
24
24
22
22
17
New Mexico
3
1
1
4
5
7
7
9
13
New York
24
22
23
23
16
14
14
11
8
North Carolina
15
14
15
16
17
18
17
19
22
North Dakota
50
50
50
50
50
50
48
46
47
Ohio
25
28
28
26
27
28
29
29
23
Oklahoma
19
18
18
18
15
13
16
15
18
Oregon
30
27
24
25
25
23
19
24
27
Pennsylvania
31
29
31
33
34
34
39
38
37
Rhode Island
27
32
38
38
36
36
44
41
36
South Carolina
8
8
6
6
6
11
10
10
10
South Dakota
47
44
47
44
46
46
43
37
43
Tennessee
6
9
8
5
8
9
18
16
19
Texas
14
15
17
15
14
15
11
6
3
Utah
39
39
32
34
35
35
35
33
35
Vermont
48
47
46
47
47
47
50
49
50
Virginia
38
35
36
36
37
38
32
32
38
Washington
18
20
19
21
22
22
24
27
26
West Virginia
41
40
44
45
45
45
46
48
46
Wisconsin
40
41
41
40
40
39
37
34
33
Wyoming
45
46
43
43
42
44
40
40
40