SCOTUS criminalizes guns in car if in post office parking lot

[TangoX-ray]

How large is the area covered by the GFSZA? I thought I heard 1,000 feet from the edge of school property. If that is the case, then it is physically impossible for me to leave my city (from my house) without passing through a GFSZ.

I understand that federal law trumps state law, but doesn't the supreme law of the land trump this federal law?

A well armed militia being essential to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Of course it does, and the first incarnation of the GFSZA was struck down. This incarnation has been adjudicated sparingly to avoid the same fate.

[parabelum]

"We the People" have allowed our legislatures and courts to circumvent the Constitution by our apathy. We are on a path of no return unfortunately. While Federal law does indeed establish these GFZs, Texas law provides exemptions to State prosecution. The likelyhood of Federal prosecution is heavily dependant on the views of the local CJ system. If you have a prosecutor wanting to make a name for themselves then all bets are off. I still find it curious that our Federal CJ system allows some states to disregard certain Federal laws ( marijuana ) ( LEOSA ) while requiring those same states to enforce other Federal laws.

And, this could, potentially, affect an off-duty LEO's as well.

Other then subversion of our Liberty, what is the point of this anyway?

[Scott Farkus]

ACLU, you criminal cowards. Where are you on this one???

Their Bill of Rights goes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

They almost completely ignore #10 as well, and it's arguable how far they truly support #1, particularly freedom of religion. I've not seen them rush to the defense of the various bakers and photographers who object to participating in gay weddings on religious grounds.

[Solaris]

LEOSA does not exempt an off-duty officer in the GFSZ, so I guess the same applies to post office?

No, LEOSA applies to PO, since it is usually Fed Property.

The GFSZ law is tricky, it is a Fed Law, but usually local property, hence special case not covered in LEOSA.

[anygunanywhere]

“Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.”


― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

[ScottDLS]

SCOTUS didn't rule on this, they just refused to hear the case from 2nd circuit letting that decision stand. The issue of Post Office parking lots is much less important than Federal GFSZA. I'm always surprised at the people who worry about leaving their gun in the car in PO parking lot, who will drive through a school zone with a loaded long gun in their trunk,
OR off duty LEO's who carry in schools, school zones, etc.

PO parking lot carry is a Federal "infraction" w/ max 30 days in jail and typically a small fine.
Carry in violation of Federal GFSZA is a federal felony with 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.

Do you know of any convictions for someone carrying in a GFSZA that wasn't convicted of committing another crime? It's my understanding this is usually just an add-on charge when someone is charged with committing other crimes in a GFSZA. Haven't heard of it being a primary charge.

Not sure it is as big a problem as it seems it could be.

Do you know anyone convicted of carrying in a PO parking lot ? Just saying.

[mojo84]

SCOTUS didn't rule on this, they just refused to hear the case from 2nd circuit letting that decision stand. The issue of Post Office parking lots is much less important than Federal GFSZA. I'm always surprised at the people who worry about leaving their gun in the car in PO parking lot, who will drive through a school zone with a loaded long gun in their trunk,
OR off duty LEO's who carry in schools, school zones, etc.

PO parking lot carry is a Federal "infraction" w/ max 30 days in jail and typically a small fine.
Carry in violation of Federal GFSZA is a federal felony with 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.

Do you know of any convictions for someone carrying in a GFSZA that wasn't convicted of committing another crime? It's my understanding this is usually just an add-on charge when someone is charged with committing other crimes in a GFSZA. Haven't heard of it being a primary charge.

Not sure it is as big a problem as it seems it could be.

Do you know anyone convicted of carrying in a PO parking lot ? Just saying.

So, neither is that big of a problem then?

[ScottDLS]

Nope. Not a problem, but I'm tactfully avoiding breaking rule #4. I have a "friend" who leaves his EDC in the car when he parks at the post office.

[K.Mooneyham]

“Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.”


― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

One of my favorites, I've quoted that one before, as well.

[rentz]

well time to start planning special trips to drop off packages then, if my mail service was reliable in the slightest i'd opt for carrier pickup at my door.

[Jeff B.]

It's clear that we aren't permitted to carry inside the Post Office. I don't like that, but am willing to accept that.

In order to utilize the Post Office, I need to disarm. Therefore, I'm going to store my PCW in my vehicle. If they don't want to accept that, then I suggest that they give me the option of paying my taxes to support this Federal activity or not. If i can reduce my Federal Taxes by some amount, I'd be inclined to consider abiding by their laws and not being in their parking lot. Until that time, I'll disarm in the lot and store my PCW in my vehicle.

If they don't like that, I'm sorry. We all have our own choices to make and what lines we are willing to tolerate and which will be our "line in the sand".

Jeff B.

[joe817]

It's clear that we aren't permitted to carry inside the Post Office. I don't like that, but am willing to accept that.

In order to utilize the Post Office, I need to disarm. Therefore, I'm going to store my PCW in my vehicle. If they don't want to accept that, then I suggest that they give me the option of paying my taxes to support this Federal activity or not. If i can reduce my Federal Taxes by some amount, I'd be inclined to consider abiding by their laws and not being in their parking lot. Until that time, I'll disarm in the lot and store my PCW in my vehicle.

If they don't like that, I'm sorry. We all have our own choices to make and what lines we are willing to tolerate and which will be our "line in the sand".

Jeff B.

Well put Jeff. 'Nuff said.