Chicago Judge Off Bench After Dropping Gun In Courthouse

By Tom Knighton

A judge in Cook County, Illinois is in hot water after he was caught carrying a handgun inside the courthouse recently. Video shows the firearm falling out of his coat pocket, which is pretty much what clued authorities in on the judge’s activities.

Here’s the video:

While some courthouses exempt judges from rules against carrying a gun into the courthouse, it seems that Cook County isn’t one of them. Which is probably a shame considering that judges do make enemies and those enemies definitely know where to find the judges

That said, rules are rules and if I’d be punished for carrying a gun into the courthouse, Judge Joseph Claps should as well.

And, well, he’s facing punishment.

Claps was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited area, a Class B misdemeanor, after two deputies noticed a handgun fall out of the jurist’s jacket while it was draped over his arm.

…

A Class B misdemeanor in the Land of Lincoln can carry a maximum penalty of up to six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,500. Claps is on administrative duty until the court’s executive committee meets.

Claps has a valid FOID and concealed …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms