South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has taken legal action to oppose two Hawaii laws that impose restrictions on gun rights. Wilson filed amicus briefs in both cases, arguing that the laws violate the Second Amendment.
“The Second Amendment says the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, which includes not allowing a state to infringe on that right,” said Attorney General Wilson. “The Second Amendment is a precious and vital right that needs to be defended everywhere, because federal court and Supreme Court rulings in other states could affect that right in South Carolina.”
In one case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Wilson joined 23 other attorneys general and the Arizona Legislature in challenging a Hawaii law requiring prospective gun buyers to complete several steps. The process involves identifying the specific firearm by serial number, applying for a permit at a police department, waiting 14 days, picking up the permit within 30 days during business hours, purchasing the firearm within another 30 days, and returning to the police station within five days for an inspection. Missing any step requires starting over, with criminal penalties possible if requirements are not met.
In another case now before the Supreme Court of the United States, Wilson joined attorneys general from 24 other states as well as the Arizona Legislature in opposing a Hawaii law that bans carrying firearms on private property open to the public. A district judge noted this effectively limits lawful carry rights “only while taking your dog out for a walk on a city sidewalk.”
The outcome of these cases may have implications beyond Hawaii. Wilson stated his involvement is partly due to concerns about how federal court decisions could influence gun rights protections in South Carolina.
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