Libertarian Party Files Friend-of-the-court Brief in D.C. Gun Case

From www.lp.org:

Washington, D.C. -The Libertarian Party has filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court in the case District of Columbia v. Heller -- a case that will decide the future of gun rights in America for decades to come. The amicus brief was filed in support of Heller. "As an organization dedicated to constitutional principles, the Libertarian Party has a compelling interest in the outcome of this historic case and therefore decided to file a brief to ensure our position on gun rights is documented," says Libertarian Party Executive Director Shane Cory.

The Libertarian Party "is an established political party dedicated to a strict adherence to the Constitution and the protection of rights both natural and enumerated," reads the brief, submitted by attorney and current Libertarian National Committee member Bob Barr, who also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. Included in those rights is "the right of an individual to keep and bear arms in the defense of life, liberty and property. As America’s third largest political party, [the Libertarian Party] has considerable experience with litigation involving parties gaining ballot access, which is the subject of the precedent invoked by the Solicitor General in proposing a standard of review," the brief further states.

The Libertarian Party's brief connects court rulings on ballot access cases with gun rights. Directly attacking the amicus brief filed by the United States Solicitor General's office, the Libertarian Party argues that strict scrutiny should be applied in judging the Constitutionality of firearm regulations.

"The Libertarian Party is committed to the individual's right to keep and bear arms," says Cory. "We're pleased that we could be a part of hopefully protecting this fundamental right for future generations of freedom loving Americans."

A copy of the Libertarian Party's brief can be obtained by visiting http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/07-290_amicus_lnc.pdf.

For more information about the LP's amicus curiae brief, or to arrange an interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 333-0008 during normal business hours, or at (202) 731-0002 during any other time.

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.