JT
Regular Member
imported post
We hear a lot about original intent in relation to the U.S Constitution but what about the Mississippi Constitution? Are there any documents similar to the Federalist Papers that explain the intent of sections of the Mississippi Constitution. It is interesting to see how the Mississippi Constitution has changed over the years in regards to the right to keep and bear arms. Here's whatI mean.
Mississippi Constitution of 1817, Article 1, Section 23.
Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and the State.
Mississippi Constitution of 1832, Article 1, Section 23.
Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and of the state.
Mississippi Constitution of 1868, Article 1, Section 15.
All persons shall have a right to keep and bear arms for their defence.
Mississippi Constitution of 1890, Article 3, Section 12.
The right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person or property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question, but the legislature may regulate or forbid carrying concealed weapons.
Prior to 1868 the right to "keep" as well as bear arms was not mentioned.Granted the people of that day understood that possesion of arms was implied but can you imagine how the "right to bear arms" would beinterpreted in today's climate?
It is obvious thatin 1890 thegovernment wanted the powerto place restrictions on concealed carry that were not in place before. The question is why? We all know about thebizarre 70's ruling that viewed a holstered firearm as partially concealed but what about the original intent of Article 3, Section 12? It is obvious to anyone who takes Article 3, Section 12 at face value that open carrycannot benot prohibited by the legislature. There had to be some historicalrational for the changeabout concealed carry but theapparent intent is that the government would have the power to make sure thatall armed people would be readily identifiable unless given special permission by thelegislature. Anyone know of any documentation about the changes in our state constitution?
We hear a lot about original intent in relation to the U.S Constitution but what about the Mississippi Constitution? Are there any documents similar to the Federalist Papers that explain the intent of sections of the Mississippi Constitution. It is interesting to see how the Mississippi Constitution has changed over the years in regards to the right to keep and bear arms. Here's whatI mean.
Mississippi Constitution of 1817, Article 1, Section 23.
Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and the State.
Mississippi Constitution of 1832, Article 1, Section 23.
Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and of the state.
Mississippi Constitution of 1868, Article 1, Section 15.
All persons shall have a right to keep and bear arms for their defence.
Mississippi Constitution of 1890, Article 3, Section 12.
The right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person or property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question, but the legislature may regulate or forbid carrying concealed weapons.
Prior to 1868 the right to "keep" as well as bear arms was not mentioned.Granted the people of that day understood that possesion of arms was implied but can you imagine how the "right to bear arms" would beinterpreted in today's climate?
It is obvious thatin 1890 thegovernment wanted the powerto place restrictions on concealed carry that were not in place before. The question is why? We all know about thebizarre 70's ruling that viewed a holstered firearm as partially concealed but what about the original intent of Article 3, Section 12? It is obvious to anyone who takes Article 3, Section 12 at face value that open carrycannot benot prohibited by the legislature. There had to be some historicalrational for the changeabout concealed carry but theapparent intent is that the government would have the power to make sure thatall armed people would be readily identifiable unless given special permission by thelegislature. Anyone know of any documentation about the changes in our state constitution?