LITTLE ROCK -- Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge disagreed with last week's decision from the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which essentially denies residents of San Diego County, Calif., the right of possession of a concealed handgun for self-defense outside the home.
"The idea that a state can completely ban or unfairly restrict the right of a law-abiding citizen to carry a concealed weapon ignores the written text and history of the Second Amendment and is unconstitutional," said Attorney General Rutledge.
"I believe states can create concealed-carry permitting laws consistent with the Constitution, but such laws must be fair, even-handed and not unduly restrictive of the ability of citizens to actually obtain conceal and carry permits," Rutledge said. "San Diego County's concealed-carry permitting scheme amounts to a total or near-total ban on concealed carry, which is why I joined an amicus brief in support of the gun owners in this case."
Rutledge, along with 20 other states, filed an amicus brief in April 2015, challenging San Diego County's effective prohibition of both open and concealed-carry of firearms.
Rutledge and the other attorneys general said the Constitution clearly allows U.S. citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights to bear arms for lawful purposes, including for self-defense, both inside and outside the home.
Arkansas allows residents to apply for concealed-carry permits through the Arkansas State Police. A background check and training course are required to obtain the permits.
More information on the permits is available on the Arkansas State Police website under the licensing tab.
General News on 06/15/2016