Community Corner
Gun Law Inspired by Newtown Shooting Upheld
While gun control advocates celebrate the news, those who brought forth the suit say this is far from over.
By Gary Jeanfaivre
A federal judge upheld an assault weapons ban in Connecticut put in place after the Sandy Hook School shooting, dismissing claims it violated the Second Amendment.
"While the act burdens the plaintiffs' Second Amendment rights, it is substantially related to the important governmental interest of public safety and crime control," U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello writes in his 47-page decision, upholding the legality of the state's law.
A federal judge upheld an assault weapons ban in Connecticut put in place after the Sandy Hook School shooting, dismissing claims it violated the Second Amendment.
"While the act burdens the plaintiffs' Second Amendment rights, it is substantially related to the important governmental interest of public safety and crime control," U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello writes in his 47-page decision, upholding the legality of the state's law.
The law, which is considered among the toughest in the nation, was enacted last year in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook that left 20 students and six educators dead.
The office of Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen provided the arguments in defense of the constitutionality of the law.
"We are heartened by Judge Covello’s ruling that has reaffirmed consistent rulings in other jurisdictions that banning military style assault weapons in the interest of public safety does not constitute an infringement of Second Amendment rights," Ron Pinciaro, executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence (CAGV), said.
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