city hall court house in Philadelphia...

[andrewjs18]

has anyone had any issues with lockers being present at the city hall court house in Philadelphia? I have to testify at a case in 2 weeks at that court house.

[kadar]

I don't think this was ever solved.

http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/564...ent-judge.html

http://forum.pafoa.org/concealed-ope...king-unit.html

[gnbrotz]

Just don't try to check a knife. Since they're not legal in Philly, they're not required to check them for you, and I have heard first-hand accounts of confiscation.

Whether they have lockboxes or not, take a copy of the law and require them to either comply in some fashion, or explain to the court why you were unable to appear as a witness.

[dgg9]

Just don't try to check a knife. Since they're not legal in Philly, they're not required to check them for you, and I have heard first-hand accounts of confiscation.

They won't check OC spray either, even though that IS legal. As always, the city finds a letter-of-the-law loophole to screw people with. Since the law states they must provide a place to check guns, they do that -- but then refuse to check any other thing.

[gnbrotz]

They won't check OC spray either, even though that IS legal. As always, the city finds a letter-of-the-law loophole to screw people with. Since the law states they must provide a place to check guns, they do that -- but then refuse to check any other thing.

Not correct. See the actual text of the law below (bold added by me).

(e) Facilities for checking firearms or other dangerous weapons.—Each county shall make available at or within the building containing a court facility by July 1, 2002, lockers or similar facilities at no charge or cost for the temporary checking of firearms by persons carrying firearms under section 6106(b) or 6109 or for the checking of other dangerous weapons that are not otherwise prohibited by law. Any individual checking a firearm, dangerous weapon or an item deemed to be a dangerous weapon at a court facility must be issued a receipt. Notice of the location of the facility shall be posted as required under subsection (d). (Chgd. by L.1999, Act 59, eff 2/15/00.)

This is why I suggested actually taking a copy of the law along. If it's LEGAL, but they won't allow it past security, they MUST provide storage per the statute.

[dgg9]

Not correct. See the actual text of the law below (bold added by me).This is why I suggested actually taking a copy of the law along. If it's LEGAL, but they won't allow it past security, they MUST provide storage per the statute.

Good catch. In that case, whoever is running the gun check area (PPD?) is simply doing this as long as they can get away with it, much like the ongoing anti-open-carry jihad in the city.

It would be nice, then, to get the right precedent set here.

Note that my information is about a year old (from the last time I did jury duty).

[HiredGoon]

And if/when they do provide some type of storage...be sure to get the legally required receipt

[HiredGoon]

Is OC spray considered a "dangerous weapon"?

[gbrown221]

if you read my previous letters to judge dembe, city council, sheriff office, etc in the other post the city concedes their not in compliance with the statute at City Hall. the city directs people two blocks away from city hall to the criminal justice center to check their firearm.

the next approach is going to be a writ of mandamus agains the city to comply. I am willing to donate to a legal challenge if others will help. I am also willing to be the plaintiff in a case if needed.

[gnbrotz]

the city directs people two blocks away from city hall to the criminal justice center to check their firearm.

Sorry, that is not "at or within the building". Please try again.

Greg, have you ever actually been denied the required storage, or did you just investigate the situation without actually trying to use it?