Heller Oral Arguments Discussion

[Deavis]

They (the bad guys) were trying to get him to agree to a broad interpretation

I don't think so at all. The SG blew them up on that point and they offered him the Military briefs as support. He could have done a better job of taking it and running with it. I realize what his strategy was but strategy is good up until the conflict begins. He had a couple golden opportunities to slam dunk those questions and he laid off. JMHO, I'm not saying I would do any better.

 

[P. Plainsman]

Yeah, Gura was OK, but definitely not great. Some of his responses were shaky. It's a classic problem for lawyers with insufficient experience at appellate argument before a "hot bench." (It's harder than it sounds on C-SPAN!)

At least Justice Scalia and Chief Justice Roberts were there to prop up Gura in a couple of places when he was getting tangled up.

So it goes. Dellinger wasn't great either (though to be fair, he had a much weaker case than Gura).

You can't control every aspect of a case like this. I still feel good about this case.

PS: In terms of propping up Gura when he was faltering -- it sure is good that we have an outspoken and knowledgeable gunnie on the Court -- namely, Scalia. Loved that bit about how citizens need a bunch of different guns -- "A .270, a .30-06..." Heh.

PPS: As a severe critic of RINOs and indeed of John McCain, I gotta admit today was an object lesson in the importance of judicial appointments. Both Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito were first-rate. Of course, Justice Alito wouldn't have been up there if not for the successful revolt waged by conservatives against Bush's attempt to foist an unknown, jurisprudentially dubious crony on them.

 

[wolf13]

I agree that he did not have to argue for or against machine guns or anything like that, but he could have put down a foundation, however weak it was. But, I also see where he needs to stay on topic, but he isn't staying on topic when he is saying machine guns are not good for civilians.

 

[Draven32]

However, there can now be a strong argument made that semi-auto 'assault weapon' bans are unconstitutional.

 

[Lichter]

Texasrifleman is right. The arguements are just for show and hold little overall weight when compared to the briefs

 

[riverdog]

Gura did a good job not walking into the traps being provided. He was doing well to keep his brief on point rather than allowing it to become to broad. Heller isn't about machine guns.

 

[Augustwest]

Kennedy sure looks good today...

 

[Bobarino]

Gura had several opportunities to take the ball and run with it and potentially get a broader ruling to make future battles easier but he backed off his own stance and is encouraging a very, very narrow ruling affecting DC only. he could have encompassed far, including machine guns since the justices offered it to him on a silver platter.

Bobby

 

[Lichter]

and now we wait...

 

[CZ 75 BD]

My mistake, Gura does not rebut.

 

[wolf13]

I agree, Kennedy is looking good. Lots of good questions for Dellinger.

 

[TexasRifleman]

And there we are. BANG of the gavel.

Everyone say a prayer.

 

[Birukun]

So is this going to be decided after only 1:37:00?

WOW.

 

[Shadowangel]

...It's over?

 

[30 cal slob]

that's all she wrote. let's pray for a good outcome.

 

[axeman_g]

June... maybe a Bday gift for me on the 27th....

Keep your powder dry everyone.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Oh GOD, now Fenty gets to run is mouth.
and he just LIED! He just said that violent crime in the city has gone down since the gun ban 30 years ago. That is a flat out LIE! How the hell can he get away with that?

 

[Guitargod1985]

Wow, Mayor Fenty actually said that DC's ban has reduced crime. What an idiot.

That chief of police isn't exactly the brightest bulb in the box, either.
Oh, look... Helmke is behind them.

 

[Lichter]

Fenty is so full of crap

 

[stubob2517]

Fenety is now saying that the ban has worked. Statistically the number of attacks has dropped every year since it was emplaced. Am I missing something here?

 

[zinj]

When will we get the court's ruling?

 

[SWMAN]

I think basically the Justices try to cover both sides of an issue. Tough to really know for certain which way a Justice may swing by viewing their questions.

 

[ZeSpectre]

And Cathy Lanier just said "and crime and suicides and all the other things that go along with handgun ownership".
(the "guns cause crime" speech).
Then Dellenger gave the "blood in the streets" speech.
Now Vincent Gray is repeating the lie that violent crimes have gone done and is repeating the "blood in the streets" speech.

 

[Big Calhoun]

Is there a list of radio stations or internet sources carrying an audio feed? I want to listen on my treo...can't do it on the desktop at work.

 

[Rumble]

Zinj, it will be sometime in June, from what has been stated elsewhere on the forum.