Posted by Hal Dardick at 1:05 p.m.
Mayor Richard Daley defended the city’s handgun ban today on the eve of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments about whether to strike down Chicago’s prohibition.
"The outcome of this case could determine whether or not local governments around the nation have the legal authority to enact reasonable, common sense gun laws to protect our residents," Daley said.
The mayor was surrounded by clergy members and other public officials, including aldermen, congressmen and representatives of the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
Daley frequently decries the toll of handgun violence and contends federal government does too little to address the issue for fear of the powerful gun lobby. He echoed that theme today.
"We’ve turned our backs on common sense gun laws in America and we continuously, unfortunately, continue shooting each other on a daily basis," Daley said. "This is one issue where Americans must come together in regards to common sense gun laws."
He added, "You would think there would be a wake-up call in America. But we’re silent. We’re not doing anything."
The Supreme Court nearly two years ago overturned a gun registration law in Washington D.C. that effectively banned handgun ownership there. Justices determined the 2nd Amendment did apply to handguns kept for self defense.
The D.C. law was much like what is known as Chicago’s “handgun ban,” which is a 1982 city ordinance that barred registration of additional handguns but allowed residents who already had those weapons to keep them.
The June 2008 ruling applied only to D.C., which is under federal jurisdiction. Chicago, like other cities with bans, falls under the jurisdiction of state government, and arguments Tuesday will focus on whether the handgun ban ruling should extend to other states and municipalities.
Many legal experts say Chicago is fighting an uphill battle. The nation’s top court has typically determined that the Bill of Rights applies to states and municipalities — not just the federal government. A decision is expected in June.
If Chicago’s law is overturned, that won’t be the end of the debate. In the D.C case, justices did not close the door on all gun regulation, and D.C. later enacted a law requiring gun owners to go through five hours of safety training, register their firearms every three years and undergo criminal background checks every six years.