John Monroe Garners Another Supreme Court Win

September 19, 2023 -- Today, the Supreme Court of Georgia handed another victory to a client of John Monroe Law, P.C. In the case, the client had been denied a Georgia weapons carry license ("GWL") on the grounds that he lacked "good moral character" because of arrests for which he had never been convicted. After a hearing with the probate judge, at which the client testified and the probate judge had an opportunity to ask questions, the probate judge affirmed his decision. The client sued in superior court and obtained a court order requiring issuance of the GWL. When the client sought an award of attorney's fees, as permitted by statute, the superior court ruled the fee-shifting statute is unconstitutional and violates "sovereign immunity."

The Supreme Court reversed, saying sovereign immunity has been waived and fee-shifting is constitutional. The Court also ruled that processing a GWL application is not a "judicial function," which is necessary for an application of judicial immunity. The case now returns to the superior court for an award of attorney's fees. John Monroe argued the case before the Supreme Court in May 2023.

Supreme Court Reinstates Felon in Possession Case

September 6, 2023 -- Today, the Supreme Court of Georgia reinstated a case that had been dismissed by the Superior Court of Fulton County. In the case, John Monroe Law, P.C. had challenged Georgia's law banning felons from possessing firearms as applied to a firm client who had been convicted of a non-violent white collar crime (health care fraud). The superior court dismissed the federal constitutional challenge, ruling that such a challenge cannot be brought against the State of Georgia. It also dismissed the state constitutional challenge, ruling that Georgia's right to keep and bear arms is subject to "reasonable regulation" under the State's "police powers." The Supreme Court vacated both rulings and ordered the superior court to consider both claims again.

John Monroe to Speak at Gun Rights Policy Conference

August 22, 2023 -- John Monroe will be a featured speaker at the 38th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference September 22-24 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Conference is sponsored by the Second Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. The Conference features speakers from around the country on various topics pertaining to weapons carry, licensing, gun control, and gun laws.