U.S. Court Rules Marijuana Use Doesn’t Bar Gun Ownership, Sparking Outrage Online
New Orleans, August 29, 2024 – A U.S. appeals court has ruled that individuals cannot be barred from owning firearms solely due to their illegal marijuana use, sparking awave of criticism and mockery online. The decision, made by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, has drawn condemnation from many Americans who fear it willlead to greater societal harm.
The court’s ruling stemmed from a case involving a Texas woman named Connie Connelly. Connelly was accused of illegally possessing firearms after police found them in her home during a search related to a domestic violence incident.The police had been called to Connelly’s home after her husband fired shots at their neighbor. During the investigation, Connelly admitted to regularly using marijuana, and her husband and neighbor also admitted to using cocaine.
The court, however,ruled that the prosecution’s attempt to prevent Connelly from owning firearms based solely on her marijuana use violated her Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Judge James C. Ho, writing for the court, stated that while the government can restrict firearm ownership for those demonstrably impaired by drug use, there was no evidencethat Connelly posed a threat to public safety.
Ms. Connelly, whether or not she uses marijuana, has a right to keep and bear arms, Judge Ho wrote. The government may prohibit people from possessing firearms if they are demonstrably impaired by drug use, but there is no reason to deprive someone of theirSecond Amendment rights before they have done anything to demonstrate that they are a danger to society.
The ruling has been met with widespread criticism and mockery on social media, with many users questioning the court’s judgment and expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the decision.
Did the judge smoke some weed before makingthis decision? one user sarcastically commented.
Others expressed anxieties about the potential impact on public safety, arguing that allowing individuals who use marijuana to possess firearms could lead to an increase in gun violence.
I’m curious if they’ll extend this ruling to more addictive drugs that are more harmful tosociety, another user wrote.
The ruling comes at a time when marijuana legalization is gaining momentum across the United States, with many states having already legalized recreational or medical use. However, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medicaluse.
The Fifth Circuit’s decision could have significant implications for gun control laws across the country, potentially setting a precedent for other courts to follow. The ruling also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding marijuana legalization and its impact on public safety.
The decision has reignited the complex and often contentious debate about gun control anddrug policy in the United States. While some argue that the ruling is a victory for individual rights, others fear that it could have dangerous consequences for public safety. The debate is likely to continue as more states consider legalizing marijuana and the legal landscape surrounding gun ownership continues to evolve.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-29/10276722.shtml
Views: 0