The June 6 order states that “All judges shall have the inherent authority to control security in their courtrooms.” This ruling comes after a long legal battle in Arkansas regarding firearms in courthouses.
The Arkansas Supreme Court, in a 3-2 ruling, granted circuit and district court judges the power to decide whether firearms are allowed in courtrooms and other areas where official business is conducted. This decision follows a previous ruling that allowed attorneys to bring guns into courthouses but left unresolved the issue of whether this extended to courtrooms.
The order allows judges to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the possession of firearms in their courtrooms and other rooms where court business is conducted. These areas include judicial chambers, law clerk’s offices, witness rooms, and court reporters’ offices.
Justice Shawn Womack dissented, stating that the court’s adoption of the administrative order was improper and went against the principle of judicial restraint. Justice Barbara Webb also dissented.
The dissenting justices argued that the order contradicted a previous decision by the court and undermined the integrity and consistency of their rulings. They noted that the order introduced potential conflicts and confusion regarding courtroom security protocols.
The case originated when attorney Chris Corbitt wanted to bring firearms into a Pulaski County courtroom in January 2020. He was denied entry by a guard and a detective from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, leading to a legal battle that eventually reached the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Overall, the ruling grants judges the authority to control security in their courtrooms and other areas within courthouses where official business is conducted, including the regulation of firearms possession. Please rewrite this sentence.
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