Judge keeps gun in NC courtoom

[Frandy]

I've read about this Judge and his keeping a gun in his courtroom, but now there's (potentially) some real good news!

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1279604/

Durham Judge Keeps Gun in Court, Law May Make it Legal

The “No Concealed Handguns” sign on the courthouse door in Durham doesn’t stop Judge David LaBarre from keeping a gun behind the bench.

“I have a little derringer, five-shot derringer,” said the judge, who presides over Domestic Violence Court.

LaBarre has a permit for the gun, but he is breaking the law by having it in the courtroom, according to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.

But sheriff’s officials said they have no intention of telling him it’s illegal, because it’s his courtroom.

The gun-toting judge might not be breaking the law for long. State lawmakers met Wednesday to debate legislation that would allow judges to carry concealed handguns in the courtroom.

As of late Wednesday, House members were one step away from approving the bill and sending it to the Senate.

Rep. Walter G. Church, Sr., D-Burke, is one of the bill's sponsors.

“This is more of a security measure,” he said.

While LeBarre has never fired the gun in the courtroom, he said he has felt threatened occasionally.

In Northampton County last year, a defendant grabbed a deputy’s gun. He shot a deputy before an officer shot and killed him. But would judges having guns improve courthouse security?

“Not necessarily,” LeBarre said, but, “It might improve my own security.”

 

[El Tejon]

5 shot derringer???

Many judges, state and federal, have guns in the courtroom.

 

[NewShooter]

Im thinking its a Naa .22 and hes calling it a derringer. I admire him for taking a stand.


OOPS!!! I ran my mouth before reading the article. It is a NAA

 

[LAR-15]

It's surprising that in NC it looks like its a bunch of Democrats who are pushing for judges to carry in court.

 

[KenW.]

In my state, a Judge can carry everyplace a certified LEO can, especially his own courtroom, without a permit.

 

[DMK]

But sheriff’s officials said they have no intention of telling him it’s illegal, because it’s his courtroom.

The 'haves' and the "have nots".

 

[TexasRifleman]

but now there's (potentially) some real good news!

I'm still trying to figure out what the good news is.

Is it that the "special" people of the Legislature are going to let the other "special" people, judges, carry firearms?

How is that good news? That elitist atttude that somehow a judges life is worth protecting more than the average citizen does not appear to me to be good news.

 

[hammer4nc]

Well, we finally have an honest answer to the question often posed by LEO's: "You think we can pick and choose which laws to enforce?"

Real answer: Absolutely!

Next time this question is posted by a cop to deflect criticism for jacking up some poor citizen on a meaningless charge, you'll know he's not being truthful.

Also, observe the two-tiered justice system - one set of laws for citizens, another for "officials". The suggested remedy, in this case, is not to enforce the law equally; but to amend the law to explicitly exempt "officials" from obeying it.

 

[Outlaw Man]

I think requiring a permit is the right way to do it - if that's what you require of everyone else - but a judge should definitely be allowed to carry in his courtroom. I believe everyone else should, but especially the judge, as there are a lot of people who really don't like him.

There are probably countless judges - whether legally or not - that carry in their courtroom. I don't think they should be above the law, but in this case, like Dirty Harry said, "well, the law is crazy."

 

[Frandy]

I'm still trying to figure out what the good news is.

Well, some people here live in a world of black and white while others see shades of gray.

I consider it good news that it's a step in the right direction rather than in the wrong direction, especially considering all the knee-jerk anti-gun chatter after the Va. Tech killings.

Do I like that judges have not been legally able to carry in NC courtrooms? No. Do I like that he took a stand and that the legislature might make it legal? Yes.

Some of you guys want all or nothing immediately. Well, sometimes it just doesn't work that way. We will just have to agree to disagree.

 

[El Tejon]

Newshooter, yes, of course! Should have thought of the NAA.

 

[xd9fan]

so much for equal under the law

 

[wheelgunslinger]

It's surprising that in NC it looks like its a bunch of Democrats who are pushing for judges to carry in court.

My State Senator Martin Nesbitt said, in a public forum I attended, that we should "keep our seat belt laws and keep our guns." He's a D.

Lots of Democrats here are that way, I find.

But, back to the issue.
I'm okay with a judge carrying. I'd just like it to be in a lawful way that includes other citizens. Like me, for example.

 

[LAR-15]

Sounds like NC judges still have to get permits like everyone else.