Illinois State Senator drafting bill to let judges be armed

[Tweed]

http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/031205/new_20050312044.shtml

"SPRINGFIELD -- A state lawmaker is planning to propose legislation that would allow judges to carry concealed weapons.

State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, said Sangamon County Circuit Judge Patrick Kelley asked him if he would introduce the law in wake of the slayings of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow's mother and husband two weeks ago.

Bomke said such a law might have prevented the shooting of Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, who died Friday morning in Atlanta, Ga., along with two others when a rape defendant grabbed a sheriff deputy's gun and opened fire on the judge and his court reporter.

"In light of what happened this morning, I think the possibilities are pretty good that the judge could have had defended himself had he had a weapon," Bomke said Friday."

Or maybe the deputy sheriff SHOULD NOT be armed!

[Tweed]

1. Also being discussed in Illinois Forum:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=150x5792

[paineinthearse]

2. Stupid, typical rethug kneejerk reaction

Perhaps we need fewer guns and/or guns with "smart" triggers so only the licensed owners can fire them?

[Tweed]

4. Good points

[HereSince1628]

3. Good, two people shooting is clearly better than one.

Believe me, guys, with therapy that knee-jerk thing can actually be controlled.

How about court stenographers? Isn't the stenographer entitled to self protection,too?

[Conservativesux]

7. Just duck real quick when the crossfire happens! What a scam !

[anakie]

5. to carry out sentencing on the spot perhaps??

Just what America needs. More people with guns.

[LiberalFighter]

6. Does Federal law permit weapons in federal courts?

They would have to also change federal law to allow state law if not.

[Tweed]

8. Well the sheriff deputy's gun was used in the murder of the judge

So I'm guessing yes.