Ban on courthouse guns lifted for parts of area

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The State Supreme Court says a judge’s order banning guns from courthouses in the 14th Chancery District is unconstitutional.

The Chancellors in the district signed the order after lawmakers passed a law saying enhanced concealed carry permit holders could take their weapons inside the courthouses.

The Thursday ruling vacates that order.

The Supreme Court did maintain the ban on guns inside a courtroom.

A provision allowing a temporary courthouse ban in instances of high-profile and highly emotional trials will also stay in place.

The 14th Chancery includes courthouses in Chickasaw, Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha and Webster Counties.