Georgia gun dealer sues NYC mayor over firearms crackdown News
Georgia gun dealer sues NYC mayor over firearms crackdown

[JURIST] Former US Rep. Bob Barr on Thursday filed a complaint [press release] on behalf of Georgia firearms dealer Adventure Outdoors [corporate website] in a Georgia state court alleging that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg [official website] violated state and federal laws while preparing to file a federal lawsuit against fifteen out-of-state gun dealers [JURIST report]. The complaint [PDF text] alleges that Bloomberg committed conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) [text] by falsifying an ATF form [sample form] to fraudulently obtain a firearm from Adventure Outdoors, in violation of 18 USC 1001 [text] and 18 USC 922 [text], and that Bloomberg committed libel and slander by releasing misleading statements to national media outlets regarding the federal lawsuit. The lawsuit demands restitution totaling $400 million.

A spokesperson for Bloomberg called the suit a publicity stunt aimed at pulling attention away from Bloomberg's lawsuit, which alleges in part that fifteen gun retailers, including Adventure Outdoors, engaged in unlawful selling practices. On Thursday, Bloomberg announced [statement] the passage of four New York City ordinances aimed at reducing gun crime in the city. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism

November 9 is the International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism [UNITED factsheet]. On November 9, 1924, American gay activist Henry Gerber and several associates formed the Society for Human Rights, the first gay rights organization in the United States. The Society received a charter from the State of Illinois in December but was disbanded in July 1925 after a police raid which led to Gerber's arrest and trial (albeit not conviction). Pay a virtual visit to Henry Gerber House, now a registered Chicago landmark.

Supreme Court strikes down Massachusetts anti-draft law

On November 9, 1970, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 in Massachusetts v. Laird not to hear the case of the state's anti-draft law. Massachusetts had passed a law, which allowed its citizens to decline to fight in any undeclared war, even if the person was drafted. The law was passed in opposition to the draft and the war in Vietnam. The First Circuit found the war constitutional and thus struck down the law.