ID: Coeu d'Alene City Council Scoffs at the Law

Coeur d'Alene City Council.

Idaho, as with most states, has a preemption statute that guarantees uniform gun laws across the state.  The laws have proven to be popular in the United States.  All states have some form of preemption.   In New York, courts have ruled that the State handgun licensing law preempts local ordinances.  The laws vary in their application by state. 

The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance is pushing Idaho governments to follow the state law.   Most have been doing so, at least when notified. 

Coeur d'Alene seems to have less respect for the rule of law than most.   From boiseweekly.com:

When the Coeur d'Alene City Council refused to overturn laws prohibiting firearms at parades and public assemblies, the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance threatened to sue, according to KTVB. A report from the Coeur d'Alene Press said the organization lacks the legal standing to file suit on its own, but members are working with an attorney to build a case.

From cdapress.com; two members of the council voted to amend the ordinace.

 Despite his arguments, Adams' attempt was unsuccessful. Only Adams and Councilman Dan Gookin voted to amend the ordinance.

Adams is to the right of the Mayor, who is wearing a suit and tie.  Gookin is to the left of the Mayor in the picture.

Ultimately, disrespect for the second amendment is disrespect for the rule of law.  It is not surprising that those who disdain putting limits on government power see any attempt to limit their authority as a challenge.

Governments have to have sufficient power to maintain the rule of law and to enforce borders.   The founders of the United States worked hard to create a balance of powers to restrain all levels of government, while allowing them to be effective.

State government restraint of local governments is part of that balance.

 ©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included. Link to Gun Watch