A Federal judge has upheld New York’s pistol permit law, saying that it ensures that “only law-abiding, responsible citizens” are allowed to own guns.
Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci Jr. denied a legal challenge to the 106-year-old Sullivan Act from Erie County Libertarian Party Chair Edward Garrett, who said the law was constitutionally vague because of its reliance on determining a license applicant’s “good moral character,” too expensive, too time-consuming, and an unnecessary invasion of an individual’s privacy.
In his opinion, Judge Geraci wrote that the law promoted public safety and prevented gun violence.
Under New York’s SAFE Act, pistol permit holders who received their permit before Jan. 15, 2013, must re-certify with the State Police by Jan. 31 or face a loss of their permit and possibly firearm, as well. If the suit is appealed, the appeal is unlikely to be heard before the deadline.