Does a PA Bar Applicant Have to Disclose that He/She Filed For or Obtained a License to Carry Firearms?

Recently, I had the opportunity to address whether a Pennsylvania Bar applicant may lawfully and ethically refuse to disclose on the application that he/she filed for or obtained a license to carry firearms (LTCF) because of the confidentiality provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(i). Several weeks ago, a client and soon-to-be Bar applicant contacted me … Continue reading Does a PA Bar Applicant Have to Disclose that He/She Filed For or Obtained a License to Carry Firearms? →

The Constitutional Right Against Self Incrimination Applies Even to the PA Game Commission

By Tom Beveridge Jack Coble of Perry County believes in his constitutional rights.   In fact, he spent thousands of dollars to fight a citation he received from a Pennsylvania Game Commission officer - and he won! On November 7, 2012, a Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer Steven Shaffer entered Mr. Coble's farm to investigate a tip … Continue reading The Constitutional Right Against Self Incrimination Applies Even to the PA Game Commission →

U.S. Supreme Court Decides What Constitutes Domestic Violence

Today, in the matter of U.S. v. Castleman, 12–1371, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision relating to what constitutes a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence." The brief background is that in 2001 Mr. Castleman pled guilty in Tennessee to "intentionally or knowingly caus[ing] bodily injury to” the mother of his child, in violation of … Continue reading U.S. Supreme Court Decides What Constitutes Domestic Violence →

Third Class City Code Reenacted with Firearm Protections

Like to most Pennsylvanians, it is probably a surprise to our readers that the Third Class City Code, 53 P.S. § 35101, et seq., was up for reenactment, as it was set to expire. Yesterday, March 19, 2014, Governor Corbett signed the re-codification, SB 497, into law. Few would even take note of the re-codification but … Continue reading Third Class City Code Reenacted with Firearm Protections →

Preliminary and Permanent Injunction Granted Against the City of Erie

On February 21st, 2014, Erie Court of Common Pleas President Judge Ernest DiSantis, Jr. issued an Order granting not only Justin Dillon's request for a preliminary injunction against the City of Erie's Ordinance 955.06 but also his request for a permanent injunction. In the very simple Order, Judge DiSantis wrote, "AND NOW, this 21st day … Continue reading Preliminary and Permanent Injunction Granted Against the City of Erie →

The Great Pennsylvanian Trunk Gun

If you ever read Internet gun forums or overhear conversations at a gun store you will often hear many people asking for firearm recommendations for a variety of reasons. The reasons range from everyday practical ones, such as concealed carry protection to more esoteric ones…like bear protection.  On the more esoteric side of the equation … Continue reading The Great Pennsylvanian Trunk Gun →

PA’s Coyote Control Incentive Program Legislation

By Tom Beveridge. Over the Holidays, I had the opportunity to run a trapline in Northwestern Pennsylvania with some good friends of mine.  We connected with some beavers and a gray fox, as well as two mature coyotes.   Several people encouraged us to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission to collect our "bounty" on these two … Continue reading PA’s Coyote Control Incentive Program Legislation →

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney Joshua Prince Secures Major Victory Against City of Erie

Today, the Commonwealth Court issued its decision in Justin Dillon v. City of Erie, 1038 CD 2013, which dealt with, in part, whether the City's ordinance prohibiting the possession of firearms in City parks, Ordinance 955.06(b), was invalid due to 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6120 - a municipal firearm regulation preemption statute. A copy of the … Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Attorney Joshua Prince Secures Major Victory Against City of Erie →

Erie Litigation Update – En Banc Oral Argument Cancelled by the Court

Today, I received a faxed Order from the Commonwealth Court simply stating, "AND NOW, this 5th day of December, 2013, argument in the above-captioned matter, currently scheduled for December 11, 2013, on the En Banc Argument list at Harrisburg, is cancelled and this appeal shall be decided based on the briefs previously filed." The reason … Continue reading Erie Litigation Update – En Banc Oral Argument Cancelled by the Court →

Big Game Hunting Rosters Requirement for PA Hunters – Gone Like Our Paper Licenses? Maybe….

By Tom Beveridge.     On November 27, 2013, Governor Corbett signed Senate Bill 763 into law which amends Section 2324 of Title 34 (commonly referred to as the Game and Wildlife Code) effectively eliminating the mandatory requirement of maintaining a "roster" of the individuals who are hunting deer, bear, elk or turkey "together or in unison … Continue reading Big Game Hunting Rosters Requirement for PA Hunters – Gone Like Our Paper Licenses? Maybe…. →