Hinds Judge Blocks Gun Law

By R.L. Nave Friday, July 12, 2013 2:16 p.m. CDT

A sign outside of the Mississippi Capitol, where lawmakers passed a law that makes it easier for people to openly carry guns and other weapons.

Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd has granted an injunction against the implementation of a state gun law.

Passed during the last legislative session, the law states that individuals need not obtain a state permit to carry weapons only. A permit is only needed to carry concealed weapons.

A group of citizens and law enforcement officials that including the Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

This afternoon, Kidd issued an opinion calling the new law too vague to go into effect. Kidd said attorneys for the state did not produce evidence that state or federal law gives individuals the absolute right to open carry.

"They have not done so because it does not exist," Kidd wrote.

Kidd said the law could take effect if the Legislature clarifies it. The Mississippi attorney general's office is expected to appeal the decision to the Mississippi State Supreme Court