March 2,  2010

            LANSING -  Attorney General Mike Cox today said he is confident the United States Supreme Court will again protect the right to bear arms found in the Second Amendment to the Constitution as they hear oral arguments over Chicago's handgun ban.  The local case has national implications because it could put an end to state and local infringement of gun ownership.

            "The right to keep and bear arms is critical to preserving individual security and the right to self-defense," said Cox.  "The Court affirmed the importance of protecting the Second Amendment when they struck down the D.C. handgun ban and I am confident they will protect the Second Amendment again."

Cox last year joined Attorneys General from 37 other states in filing an amicus brief in McDonald v. City of Chicago, the case being heard Tuesday, urging the Court to strike down the controversial weapons ban. 

Cox previously signed an amicus in District of Columbia v. Heller, supporting the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.  On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the District of Columbia's gun ordinance in that case.  Cox's efforts to protect gun rights also resulted in more states recognizing Michigan-issued CCW permits.  When Cox took office in 2003, only eight states recognized Michigan-issued CCW permits.  Today, 35 states recognize Michigan-issued CCW permits.

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