New Mexico Blocks Gun Law

New Mexico court blocks concealed guns law

SANTA FE, New Mexico (AP) -- The state Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the government from issuing licenses to carry concealed handguns, saying it wants written legal arguments from opponents and supporters of the new law.

Albuquerque Mayor Jim Baca had asked the court two weeks ago to invalidate the law, contending it is unconstitutional.

"That's a pretty good preliminary victory for us," Baca said after the ruling. "The court must really have some problems with this thing, and I'm very happy about it."

State Attorney General Patricia Madrid has said Baca -- who leaves office December 1 -- is misreading the state constitution. Although it doesn't guarantee the right to carry concealed weapons, Madrid said it doesn't preclude the state from authorizing it in a statute.

Assistant Attorney General Jerome Marshak, who argued the state's case in court two weeks ago, hadn't seen the high court's ruling and had no immediate comment, according to a department spokeswoman.

The law, passed this year, allows New Mexicans 21 and older to carry loaded, concealed handguns if they get training, pass a background check and obtain a license. Cities and counties may, however, opt out.

The licenses were to have been issued beginning in January, but the court decision means legal arguments will be considered until March 2002, prohibiting the Department of Public Safety from issuing licenses until at least then.