US v Castleman, 12-1371 . Here's the procedural history to date. It's set for argument January 15, 2014. http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/united-states-v-castleman/
It's about the Lautenberg Amendment that terminated RKBA for anyone convicted of domestic abuse involving violence. The primary issue in this case is definition of violent act, federal and state. Castleman was peddling guns procured by his wife, apparently in significant quantities. One was involved in a Chicago homicide, and when traced back to Castleman, the scheme became apparent. He was indicted for violating the lifetime ban on possession, but the federal court quashed the indictments because the Tennessee law he had pled guilty to did not require physical violence or force (I'm not being specific with the terms, but trying to give you the gist of the argument). Fed court of appeals upheld the lower court, and upon request of the feds, USSC granted certiorari (which means they agreed to review the case). This only happens to 1.2% of the cases brought to the court. That they would grant cert to an apparent gunrunner when so many police and armed services guys lost their job due to this law, tells me the USSC is ready to send a message.
Anti gun groups are piling on the amicus briefs, and there are few filed to date on Castleman's end of things. Looks like interesting times ahead.
It's about the Lautenberg Amendment that terminated RKBA for anyone convicted of domestic abuse involving violence. The primary issue in this case is definition of violent act, federal and state. Castleman was peddling guns procured by his wife, apparently in significant quantities. One was involved in a Chicago homicide, and when traced back to Castleman, the scheme became apparent. He was indicted for violating the lifetime ban on possession, but the federal court quashed the indictments because the Tennessee law he had pled guilty to did not require physical violence or force (I'm not being specific with the terms, but trying to give you the gist of the argument). Fed court of appeals upheld the lower court, and upon request of the feds, USSC granted certiorari (which means they agreed to review the case). This only happens to 1.2% of the cases brought to the court. That they would grant cert to an apparent gunrunner when so many police and armed services guys lost their job due to this law, tells me the USSC is ready to send a message.
Anti gun groups are piling on the amicus briefs, and there are few filed to date on Castleman's end of things. Looks like interesting times ahead.
Last edited: