Behind Enemy Lines. Vol 1

Published on October 3, 2025
Duration: 76:01

This episode of 'Behind Enemy Lines' features discussions on significant Second Amendment legal cases and regulatory challenges. Key topics include the Supreme Court accepting the 'Wolford v. Lopez' case concerning the 'vampire rule' for carrying firearms in private businesses, the legal battles surrounding assault weapon bans in Connecticut ('Lamont v. Bonta') and New Jersey ('Cheeseman v. Platkin'), and the DOJ's lawsuit against Los Angeles County for excessive concealed carry permit wait times. The discussion also touches on the strategic use of DOJ amicus briefs and the ongoing debate about the interpretation and enforcement of gun laws.

Quick Summary

The Supreme Court has accepted the 'Wolford v. Lopez' case, addressing the 'vampire rule' that restricts carrying firearms in private businesses without explicit permission. This case, along with DOJ lawsuits against LA County for CCW delays and challenges to assault weapon bans, highlights ongoing legal battles over Second Amendment rights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Sports Update
  2. 00:22Welcome and Show Introduction
  3. 01:14Upcoming Guests and Segments
  4. 02:05Wolford v. Lopez Accepted by Supreme Court
  5. 02:46Explaining the 'Vampire Rule'
  6. 03:37Ninth Circuit's Ruling on Vampire Rule
  7. 04:20Second Circuit Strikes Down NY Vampire Rule
  8. 05:00Impact of Vampire Rule on Right to Carry
  9. 06:28California's Sensitive Places Laws
  10. 07:11Recent California Legislation (AB 1078)
  11. 07:54Hawaii's Potential Mooting Strategy
  12. 08:06Supreme Court Reaction to Mooting
  13. 08:51Interlocutory Phase and Supreme Court Acceptance
  14. 09:19DOJ Amicus Brief in Wolford v. Lopez
  15. 10:35Persuasive Effect of DOJ Amicus Briefs
  16. 11:32Other DOJ Amicus Briefs in 2A Cases
  17. 12:35DOJ Amicus Brief in Cheeseman v. Platkin
  18. 13:07New Jersey's Response to DOJ Brief
  19. 14:07Prediction: Hawaii Mooting Wolford
  20. 14:37Gamesmanship in the Ninth Circuit
  21. 15:22Final Thoughts on Wolford Case
  22. 15:43Defining 'Sensitive Places'
  23. 17:10DOJ Sues Los Angeles County for CCW Delays
  24. 17:32LA County CCW Wait Times and Issues
  25. 18:15LA County CCW Application Statistics
  26. 19:46Average Wait Times for LA CCW
  27. 20:20In-Person Interviews for CCW
  28. 20:51Nature of CCW Interviews
  29. 21:33Staffing Limitations for CCW Unit
  30. 22:19Location of DOJ Lawsuit
  31. 22:43Potential Settlement of LA County CCW Lawsuit
  32. 23:14Bruen Footnote 9 and Objective Criteria
  33. 23:53LA County's Defense and State Requirements
  34. 24:25California's 120-Day CCW Processing Law
  35. 25:13Outlook for LA County CCW Lawsuit
  36. 25:50Hannah Hill Joins the Show
  37. 26:45Introduction of Hannah Hill (NAGR)
  38. 27:37Hannah Hill's Background and Role
  39. 29:40NAGR v. Lamont: Connecticut Assault Weapon Ban Challenge
  40. 30:16Thought Process for Appealing Lamont to SCOTUS
  41. 31:30Second Circuit's Delay and Ruling in Lamont
  42. 32:46Defiance of Bruen in Second Circuit Ruling
  43. 33:04Quotes from the Lamont Petition
  44. 34:03Reasons for SCOTUS Appeal in Lamont
  45. 35:00DOJ Amicus Briefs in Other 2A Cases
  46. 37:14Establishing 'Common Use' for Firearms
  47. 38:12Massachusetts Case and Common Use Evidence
  48. 39:20Partnership with Magpul for Common Use Data
  49. 40:10Judicial Reluctance on Common Use
  50. 41:45The Role of Judicial Discipline
  51. 42:18NAGR's Stance on AG Pam Bondi
  52. 43:13Reese ATF Case and Membership Data
  53. 43:36NAGR's Current Position on Pam Bondi
  54. 44:14NAGR's List of Policy Actions for DOJ
  55. 45:35Specific Policy Demands: Engaged in Business Rule
  56. 46:08Specific Policy Demands: Stop Anti-Gun Legal Arguments
  57. 46:1918-20 Year Old Gun Rights Cases
  58. 48:53Procedural Aspects of 18-20 Year Old Cases
  59. 50:29Reese Case: Facial Challenge and Plaintiff Limitations
  60. 51:02DOJ Non-Enforcement in Fifth Circuit
  61. 52:16Trump Administration's Stance on Universal Injunctions
  62. 53:33Settlement Strategy vs. National Precedent
  63. 54:26Defending Federal vs. State Gun Laws
  64. 55:33NAGR's Official Statement on Pam Bondi
  65. 57:56Praise for Specific DOJ Actions
  66. 59:07Regional Differences in Gun Rights Issues
  67. 60:00Grading on a Curve vs. Policy Consistency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'vampire rule' in gun carry laws?

The 'vampire rule' is a nickname for regulations that prohibit carrying firearms in private businesses open to the public unless the business explicitly posts a sign or grants permission. This effectively requires permit holders to seek invitation before carrying in such locations, treating them similarly to how vampires are depicted in fiction.

Why did the Supreme Court accept the 'Wolford v. Lopez' case?

The Supreme Court accepted 'Wolford v. Lopez' for review, which concerns the 'vampire rule,' partly because the federal government (DOJ) filed an amicus brief supporting review. This brief is seen as a significant factor in the Court's decision to hear the case.

What are the main issues in the DOJ's lawsuit against Los Angeles County regarding CCW permits?

The DOJ sued LA County for allegedly creating excessive delays and barriers for concealed carry permit applicants. Cited issues include average wait times of 281 days to start processing and 372 days for license issuance, mandatory in-person interviews for all first-time applicants, and a general lack of timely processing.

What is NAGR's stance on Attorney General Pam Bondi's actions?

The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) has issued a stern challenge to AG Pam Bondi, stating that while she claims to be a Second Amendment advocate, her words must be backed by policy actions. NAGR has provided a list of specific policy changes they expect, including repealing the 'engaged in the business' rule and stopping anti-gun legal arguments in court.

How does the DOJ's approach to federal vs. state gun laws differ?

Critics argue the DOJ is more aggressive in challenging state-level gun control measures, such as suing California over CCW delays. However, the administration is seen as less proactive or even defensive regarding federal gun laws, leading to accusations of a 'bipolar' or inconsistent strategy on Second Amendment rights.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Washington Gun Law

View all →