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Argument Over Gun Control Escalates in State

October 1st, 2013 by WCBC Radio

The state of Maryland argued its case for gun control Monday. State officials say gun advocates waited too long to challenge tougher firearm regulations set to take effect today (Tuesday). Attorney General Doug Gansler asked a federal judge in Baltimore Monday to deny their request for an order blocking enforcement of the law. A collection of gun shops, firearm associations and private citizens filed two lawsuits late last week challenging different aspects of the law on constitutional grounds. Gansler says the plaintiffs sat on their claimed rights for six months after Governor Martin O'Malley signed the measure. He says the motion should be denied for that reason. He also says the plaintiffs haven't shown that the challenge is likely to succeed, or that implementation will cause irreparable harm. A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, the same day the law is scheduled to take effect. The lawsuit says the law was passed in "flagrant disregard" of the gun rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment. It seeks to block implementation of the law and, ultimately, to have the court permanently bar Maryland from enforcing the law. Despite these latest challenges and some very vocal opposition expressed since the general assembly passed the law, Gansler- a candidate for governor- says he firmly believes the new measures will help keep guns out of the hands of criminals…





 

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