A divided federal appeals court struck down California’s concealed weapons rules on Tuesday, saying they violate the Second Amendment right to bear arms, The Associated Press reports.
By a 2-1 vote, the judge panel said California was wrong to require applicants to show good cause to receive a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain wrote for the majority that “The right to bear arms includes the right to carry an operable firearm outside the home for the lawful purpose of self-defense.”
Judge Sidney Thomas dissented, writing that the good cause requirement would limit the number of people carrying concealed handguns to those legitimately in need.