Apparently Nutter didn't do as much homework as he claims he did to ensure the legality of these new laws if he can't even convince the DA to prosecute.
Well played by the PA Legislature, too. Nutter was looking for a fight and they just ignored him. Now he's got the DA, the police and the citizens of Philly ignoring him as well. Great show of leadership there, Nutter.
What are you going to waste the city's time and money on next? Hopefully you have now learned that it takes more than showmanship and grandstanding to solve the entrenched systemic problems of Philadelphia.
Quote:
D.A.: New Gun Laws Cannot Be Upheld
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham said charges made under controversial gun legislation signed into law by Mayor Michael Nutter without the approval of the state will not be upheld.
During a City Council meeting Tuesday, Abraham stated she admired the efforts of City Council and the Mayor, but added she could not approve criminal charges stemming from arrests under the five new laws instated last week.
"Because these laws appear to me, as an attorney looking at the laws of Pennsylvania, to be preemptive, they are, on their face, illegal acts," Abraham said.
The new legislation included a ban on assault rifles, a limit on handgun purchases, a requirement all stolen guns must be reported within 24 hours and the ability for police to confiscated firearms from those considered to be a risk.
Mayor Nutter said he has talked to the District Attorney about the legislation and hopes to move forward.
"I'm hopeful, through our law department and the research we've done, that we might be able to demonstrate to the district attorney that these bills are defensible," Mayor Nutter said.
Abraham said a 1996 ruling upheld a 1974 law stating that Philadelphia does not have the authority to pass its own gun control legislation.
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