(AP) - An attorney for California residents denied a concealed weapons permit says there is no evidence that crime goes up in places where the permits are issued more freely.
Paul Clement made the argument Tuesday before an 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The panel will decide a long-running court battle that could dramatically loosen restrictions on carrying concealed firearms in California.
At issue are requirements by sheriffs in two California counties that people applying for a permit to carry a concealed weapon in public show "good cause" beyond self-defense.
Clement said the self-defense standard should be sufficient, and asking an applicant to have a better reason for carrying a gun than fellow citizens violates the 2nd Amendment.
California Solicitor General Edward DuMont disagreed, saying there was a long and rich tradition of restricting concealed weapons in cities and towns.
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