Become part of the movement for unbiased, accessible election information. Donate today.
District Attorney fights for right to carry gun into Wisconsin courtroom
June 21, 2012
Wisconsin: District Attorney Christian Gossett has filed a petition with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, asking it to remove the ban prohibiting guns in the Winnebago County Circuit Court courthouse. The judges of Winnebago County say the ban helps maintain a safe and secure environment in which people can settle a dispute.[1] A statement issued by the Winnebago County Judges reads as follows:
| “ | Winnebago County Circuit Court Judges and our law enforcement partners have a duty and obligation to ensure that everyone participating in a court proceeding has a safe and secure environment in which to settle a dispute. The first step in fulfilling that obligation, and in assessing safety and security threats in a courtroom, is for judges and law enforcement to be aware of who is carrying a weapon during a proceeding. The order approved unanimously by the Winnebago County Circuit Court Judges applies equally to everyone who enters a courtroom during a proceeding.[2][3] | ” |
Gossett argued in his petition that courts can only invalidate laws for constitutional violations and said, "The Winnebago Judges cite no specific precedent for the purported exercises of inherent authority in the Orders."[4][5] Gossett also says this has nothing to do with guns and higher issues are at stake.
- "The big mistake that people can make here is thinking this has to do with firearms. While firearms are the topic, it's actually constitutional and statutory, as well as philosophical, issues that are at stake."[2] - District Attorney Christian Gossett
Judge Scott Woldt of the Winnebago County Circuit Court said he would jail any prosecutor for contempt without bond or release if they violate the ban.[2]
The decision to act on the petition now lies with the Supreme Court.[2]
See also
- News: Wisconsin Supreme Court rejects petition to allow guns in the courtroom, July 7, 2012
- News: Federal judge rules against part of Chicago's gun law, June 20, 2012
Footnotes
- ↑ The Associated Press, "Winnebago County judges defend gun ban in courthouse," June 19, 2012
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The Northwestern, "Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett finds himself at center of concealed gun challenge," Jun. 18, 2012 (dead link)
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Journal Sentinel, "DA fights to carry gun in Winnebago County courthouse," Jun. 17, 2012
- ↑ Thomson Reuters, "Wisconsin judges are wrong to bar guns from court, prosecutor says," June 20, 2012
| |||||
