US EditionThree-Judge Panel Finds Tennessee’s Guns in Parks Prohibition Violates Second Amendment
The court ruled Tennessee's park carry ban and intent-to-go-armed law unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, affecting statewide gun regulations with potential appeal pending.
- On Monday, a three-judge panel in Gibson County Chancery Court struck down two Tennessee gun laws, removing the ban on carrying firearms in state or municipal parks with statewide effect.
- In February 2023, three gun owners and two gun-rights organizations sued Gov. Bill Lee, arguing the laws violated the Second Amendment and Tennessee Constitution.
- The court explained that the 'Intent to go Armed' statute criminalized carrying with intent to use a weapon, its language was 'too broad,' and judges Mansfield, Burk, and Rice ruled it could allow stops of anyone with a gun.
- The panel declined to enjoin enforcement, Sen. London Lamar criticized the ruling, saying `This ruling puts Tennesseans at greater risk by tying the hands of law enforcement officers who encounter people who are armed and potentially dangerous`, and it remains unclear if the Gov. Bill Lee administration will appeal.
- The state argued some limits remain permissible, noting Tennessee's 2021 permitless carry law retains a permit system and the 'intent to go armed' statute in Article I, Section 26 of the Tennessee Constitution.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Questions remain after Tennessee court rules two gun laws as unconstitutional
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A recent court ruling on firearms has left Tennessee law enforcement, and the governor, with questions. Following a lawsuit, a panel of judges in West Tennessee ruled last Friday that two state firearm laws were unconstitutional: one was a ban on guns in public parks and the other was a law against carrying a gun with the “intent to go armed.” RELATED | Tennessee court ruling means changes for gun owners Both laws …
Tennessee court ruling means changes for gun owners
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new ruling could bring changes to gun owners in Tennessee. On Friday, Aug. 22, a panel of three judges in Gibson County Chancery Court declared two Tennessee gun laws unconstitutional. Trump considers sending federal troops to Memphis, Tennessee lawmakers respond "I'm excited for what this means for the citizens of Tennessee," Tennessee State Rep. Chris Todd (R-Jackson) said. The first law now considered unconst…
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