Court Strikes Down Calif. Concealed-Carry Rules

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has struck has down California's concealed weapons law.

The law required applicants prove they needed to carry a gun for personal protection. The reasons included victims of domestic violence, stalking victims, and those whose lives had been threatened.

The law also required applicants show proof of "good moral character."

But in a 2-1 ruling Thursday, a panel of the court ruled those restrictions violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

"In California, the only way that the typical, responsible, law-abiding citizen can carry a weapon in public for the lawful purpose of self-defense is with a concealed carry permit. And, in San Diego County, that option has been taken off the table," Justice Thomas O'Scannlain wrote for the majority.

Chuck Michel, the attorney who represented the plaintiffs challenging San Diego's restrictions, applauded the ruling.

"The 9th Circuit confirmed that the government no longer gets to pick and choose which law-abiding citizens may exercise their constitutional right to carry a firearm for self-defense," Reuters quoted Michel.

"This is a landmark ruling for the state of California. No longer will criminals have the security of knowing that their victims are defenseless in public," he said.