Jun 12 2008
NC Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Gun Bill
A Senate judiciary committee approved legislation today that could prevent those involuntarily committed with serious mental illness from purchasing or possessing guns.
“People with severe mental illnesses should not be able to purchase a gun — it’s as simple as that— and this is a process to accomplish that,” said N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper.
Thoughts on this? I’m huge on the Second Amendment and do not take kindly to most restrictions, but I don’t necessarily have a problem with this legislation. My only fear is can it be abused and can it lead to more restrictions down the road?
You should really look into the involuntary commitment process.
It will depend on where in this process they place the “point of no return.”
If it’s left up to the doctor, then I’ll support it. If the only requirement is that you have had involuntary commitment papers issued against you then I’ll oppose it with every fiber of my being.
A magistrate issues these papers and has no training in mental health issues. Further, the only thing that is required is for someone ot give “sworn testimony” that you are a danger to yourself or others. this testimony can be given by your wife, child, friend or even enemy.
You can see how this could pose a problem if you had an angry child or ex-wife.
Step one: Get you involuntarily committed.
Step Two, call the cops and get you charged with a felony for owning a gun after you get committed.
The devil is in the details on this one.
Yeah, that’s kind of the thing I was concerned about when I cited abuse of this law. They need to be more clear on this.