MSI Challenges "Good and Substantial Reason" in New Lawsuit

Whalen v Handgun Permit Review Board 

In the continued fight to promote and defend the right of armed defense that belongs to every responsible, law-abiding Marylander, Maryland Shall Issue is representing MSI member, Holmes Whalen, in an appellate brief filed on July 22, 2019, with the Maryland Court of Special Appeals (Maryland's intermediate level appellate court). Mr. Whalen was arbitrarily denied a permit by the State Police and that denial was sustained by the Handgun Permit Review Board and by the Baltimore City Circuit Court.

The appeal challenges the constitutionality of the "good and substantial reason" standard the state uses to deny Maryland citizens the ability to protect themselves in public. The appeal also asks the Court of Special Appeals to overrule its outdated precedent (Snowden and Scherr) on which the State Police and the Handgun Permit Review Board erroneously continue to rely. This case may establish important new precedent in Maryland by making clear the right of self-defense applies to all "the people" protected by the Second Amendment, not merely the tiny select few favored by the State Police. The State has 30 days to file a brief after which we have 20 days to file a Reply. The case is tentatively set for oral argument before the Court of Special Appeals in Annapolis in November.

Read the Brief HERE

Your generous support of MSI is what makes all this possible. Consider joining, renewing, or donating to MSI so that we can continue to support self defense and 2nd Amendment rights in Maryland.