This week's second outrage (read about the first outrage of the week here) comes to us via Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper (D), who recently issued an official opinion that landlords can prohibit law-abiding tenants from possessing their legally-owned firearms within the leased premises of their rented apartments, even if the tenants have a valid carry permit!
According to an October 28th article on Knoxnews.com, the opinion is in response to a request from state Representative Tony Shipley (R-2), who said he had thought the answer would have been different.
"It strikes me that there shouldn't be a prohibition," he said in a telephone interview.
Referring to the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would apply to someone living in an apartment and would prevent law enforcement officers from entering without a search warrant, Shipley said, "If the Fourth Amendment applies, why doesn't the Second Amendment apply?" Continuing this logical line of thought, Shipley went on to say, "If you argue that your landlord can deny you your Second Amendment rights, can they also deny you your First Amendment rights to free speech inside the four corners of your apartment? Can a landlord say you give up free speech, under the First Amendment, in the apartment? I think not."
Denying law-abiding citizens their right to self-defense in their home is simply outrageous, not to mention unfair and possible dangerous.
Unlike court opinions, which are binding, legal opinions issued by the attorney general indicate his office's interpretation of the law. Rest assured we'll keep an eye on this and report any significant developments.
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