And if, for some reason, you are functionally illiterate, or severely dyslexic??? Sounds like really nice grounds for a discrimination suit.
Nope. Not even close. The law is on
their side in this matter. And has been, for generations. Essentially, in a "may issue" state, you or I do NOT have the
right to a handgun. And please, don't argue that point with me, argue it with them, if you are so inclined. But, don't expect to win, both tradition AND the law are on their side.
Most of the folks on our side believe that restrictions on possessing any kind of weapon is an infringement of our rights. Their side believes that as long as we are allowed
some kind of weapon, our rights are not being denied.
Bad as having to write an "essay" is, there are places that are worse! There are places that require written letters from three character references. People whom the local authority considers honest, upstanding and reasonable. People who are NOT related to you, and do not work for you, and who are willing to write such letters, stating how you are "of good moral character" and responsible enough to possess a handgun.
And, that is just ONE of the requirements you must meet, to be CONSIDERED, and you may be denied for any, or no reason which the issuing authority deems fit.
In the 70s where I grew up in NY, the requirements (besides the fee) were 5 sets of fingerprints, 4 photographs, 3 character references (they didn't have to write letters, you just had to provide names & addresses) and then, after the investigation(s) were complete, it went to a judge for approval. One judge would not approve anything but an application that said the permit was for "hunting & sporting purposes". The judge in the next county south would deny everything that did not say the reason was for "personal protection".
I have no idea what their requirements are now, I doubt they are any less than they were then...
Good Luck using
Jim Crowe as a legal argument against these "may issue" laws, because while there are some similarities, the differences are hugely significant. There is no nationally recognized right to own a handgun, being the main one. We have a recognized right to vote. The 2nd Amendment states we have a right to "keep and bear arms". If it said "keep and bear handguns" we wouldn't have the argument, but it does not say that.
Also, I would not put any great hope in getting a copy of an approved essay and using it as a blanket form, and taking them to court if they deny you.
Again, because under the law, all that matters is the
opinion of the issuing agency. Joe B.'s essay might be fully acceptable, but a copy of his essay with your name on it might not be acceptable at all, simply because you are not him.
Is it fair? I don't think so. Is it equal treatment under the law? Sadly, yes. Everyone has an equal chance of being denied.
