3-Judge Panel Finds Guns in Parks Law Unconstitutional - Articles

All Content

3-Judge Panel Finds Guns in Parks Law Unconstitutional

Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Aug 26, 2025

A three-judge panel in Gibson County — comprised of Chancellor Michael Mansfield of Trenton, Judge Wyatt Burk of Shelbyville and Judge Lisa Rice of Elizabethton — ruled that Tennessee’s laws against carrying weapons “with the intent to go armed” and in state parks are unconstitutional, finding they violate both the U.S. and state constitutions. The Tennessee Lookout reports that the lawsuit, filed by Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation and several individuals, argued the statutes criminalize lawful gun carrying, effectively creating a “gun-free” zone statewide. While the panel declared the laws void, it said it did not have authority to impose an injunction, leaving enforcement in limbo. Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson, praised the decision but said he asked Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti to appeal the ruling for clarity on the enforcement issue. Democrats, including Sen. London Lamar of Memphis, warned the decision will worsen gun violence and hinder law enforcement’s ability to intervene before crimes occur.