Massachusetts top court declares stun gun ban unconstitutional

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

U.S. APRIL 17, 2018 / 12:58 PM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO

Massachusetts top court declares stun gun ban unconstitutional

Nate Raymond
3 MIN READ

BOSTON (Reuters) - The top court in Massachusetts on Tuesday struck down a state law that banned civilians from possessing stun guns, saying the law violated the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment, which protects Americans’ right to bear arms.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in the case of a man who was criminally charged for possessing a stun gun, holding that such weapons constitute “arms” protected by the Second Amendment.

“Therefore, under the Second Amendment, the possession of stun guns may be regulated, but not absolutely banned,” Chief Justice Ralph Gants wrote for the 6-0 court.

The court dismissed a criminal stun gun possession charge against Jorge Ramirez, who was arrested in 2015 after police discovered one in his pants pocket following a traffic stop. He also was charged with firearms offenses.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-massachusetts-stunguns/massachusetts-top-court-declares-stun-gun-ban-unconstitutional-idUSKBN1HO2MP

[C_U_L8R]

1. Massachusetts ain't as liberal as its reputation

There are some big blue peaks surrounded by vast red swamps.

[gejohnston]

3. but it was a liberal decision

liberal defined as increased individual liberty and consistent with the Founders (who were liberals and fans of the Enlightenment) intent. There are utilitarian and authoritarian/arguments for gun control (and disarming a people) but not a liberal one, or at least I haven't seen any.

[C_U_L8R]

4. I prefer my individual liberty not to be stun-gunned

or any gunned for that matter.

[gejohnston]

5. that is simple regardless of any laws,

don't be a predator and stay away from gangs. Granted, there are rare exceptions as seen in the media. That being the case, self defense is a fundamental natural right. It's inconsistent to say "her body her choice" when it comes to abortion yet say one doesn't have the right (and the means to) defend themselves from attack. Also, predators and gangs don't care about laws.

[Straw Man]

8. Your protection from illegal violence ...

I prefer my individual liberty not to be stun-gunned

or any gunned for that matter.

... is provided by the criminal code of the state in which you reside.

[sarisataka]

6. Is it that you are

Opposed to victims using weapons in self-defense?

[PoliticAverse]

2. "wrote for the 6-0 court." - that's pretty definitive. n/t

[sarisataka]

7. In what possible way

Can a stun gun be considered a firearm?

[oneshooter]

9. Possably the type that "shoots" the darts. n/t