Federal Court Upholds Right to Keep and Bear Arms and Awards the NRA $125,000 in Attorney's Fees

Published on November 22, 2012
Duration: 4:50

A federal court in Illinois upheld the Second Amendment by awarding the NRA $125,000 in attorney's fees in the case of Sean Galder v. Chicago. The ruling prevents prohibiting firearm possession based solely on a non-violent misdemeanor conviction. While this specific prohibition was struck down, Chicago's firearm registration and licensing requirements remain in effect and are still being litigated.

Quick Summary

A federal court in Illinois upheld Second Amendment rights by ruling that a non-violent misdemeanor conviction cannot prohibit firearm possession. The NRA was awarded $125,000 in attorney's fees in the Sean Galder v. Chicago case, though Chicago's firearm registration and licensing requirements persist.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Second Amendment Attorney Steve Hawbrook
  2. 00:10News from Illinois: NRA Awarded $125,000 in Attorney's Fees
  3. 00:24The Case: Sean Galder v. Chicago Explained
  4. 00:42Background of Sean Galder and Chicago Firearm Laws
  5. 01:11Illinois's Unique Firearm Carry Laws
  6. 01:50Misdemeanor Conviction and 'Unlawful Use of a Firearm'
  7. 02:15District Court Ruling: Second Amendment Violation
  8. 02:40Filing Under the Federal Civil Rights Act and Attorney Fees
  9. 02:50Future of Second Amendment Rights in Chicago
  10. 03:43Ongoing Requirements: Registration and Licensing
  11. 04:07The Debate on Firearm Registration
  12. 04:23Chicago as a Second Amendment Battleground
  13. 04:40Conclusion and Thanksgiving Wishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the outcome of the Sean Galder v. Chicago case?

The federal court in Illinois ruled that prohibiting firearm possession solely based on a non-violent misdemeanor conviction violates the Second Amendment. The NRA was awarded $125,000 in attorney's fees as a result of this victory.

Can a misdemeanor conviction prevent someone from owning a firearm in Chicago?

According to a federal court ruling in Illinois, a non-violent misdemeanor conviction alone cannot be used to prohibit someone from possessing a firearm, as this would violate the Second Amendment.

Why was the NRA awarded attorney's fees in the Galder v. Chicago case?

The NRA was awarded attorney's fees because the lawsuit was filed under the Federal Civil Rights Act. When a party prevails in a case under this act, they are entitled to recover their legal costs.

Are firearm registration and licensing still required in Chicago?

Yes, despite the ruling on misdemeanor convictions, Chicago's requirements for firearm registration and obtaining a city license to possess a firearm have not been struck down and remain in effect.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from NRA

View all →