Steven Greenhut on Guns and the Meaning of "Rights"

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Sam Lisker

Last week, a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals three-judge panel struck down San Diego County's approach to issuing concealed-carry gun permits, in a case that has statewide and even national implications. Critics of the decision, such as San Diego Police Chief Bill Lansdowne and gun-control activists, argued that allowing more people to carry guns outside their homes increases dangers to the public. There's much data disputing that notion, but the case isn't about the merits or demerits of public gun ownership. As Steven Greenhut highlights, the court's decision focuses on the meaning of this right.