do gun-ownership rights extend to the homeless?

[oustemnow]

In all seriousness. Are there any DU legal-types here who can answer this?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. Yes. Nothing in the Constitution excludes homeless people,

whatever the cops may think.

[Clete]

2. My understanding, depending under which laws you fall under, is

that you need a special permit for a concealed weapon. If you have a registered weapon and take it out of your residence, it must be visible. So I guess I have to assume that if a homeless person didn't have a concealed weapon permit, he could own a registered firearm as long as it was in view. Wierd, isn't it, but I am sure our elcahoones on this board will clarify this.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

7. That's right.

I can walk around town with a holstered pistol on my belt, but I can't put it in my pocket.


Gee, weren't those Black Panthers some cool folks:
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/calheritage/panthers/sacramento.htm

[bluestateguy]

3. I would favor that

There has been a marked increase in many years in violence targeted at the homeless, often by gangs of young upper class thugs who think that the lives of the homeless don't count. These people have a right to defend themselves, especially on the dangerous streets! Gun ownership is not just for people who live on ranches, farms and comfortable suburbs. Somehow, I don't think the rights of gun ownership for the homeless is what the NRA had in mind, but that is why I am liberal, pro-gun and not a part of the NRA.

[oustemnow]

5. my thoughts exactly

unfortunately, I am in a state (California) where concealed-carry permits are apparently hard to come by. We also have a lot of homeless. I'd like to start a group to raise funds to arm them, so they have some kind of protection.

[Clete]

6. Not a good idea.

I agree with their vulnerability, but there are too many loose cannons out there. Giving them a gun gives them the means to prey on their fellow homeless. Hiring them some protectors may be better, if you want to spend some money, or just insisting the cops make their protection a priority.

Of course giving them a room with a lock and some security where they could keep their stuff, sleep and take a shower would be much better.

[Occulus]

4. It depends on

what is considered to be their 'domicile'.

For example (and this may very well be incorrect depending on where you live), it is possible (believe it or not) to list one's home address as 'XYZ Alley, second flaming barrel'. Yes, this does mean police would be required to serve a warrant upon what would otherwise be considered a public space.

Hey, let me know if I'm talking out of my ass here, ok? The question applies not only to gun rights, but a laundry list of rights that are granted by our Constitution. I would think those rights are unalienable and irrevocable excepting extreme or voluntary conditions.