On the issue of concealed carry licensing or permitting, the United States adopts different strategies for controlling the possession of firearms. The popular approaches that many states use are “may-issue” and “shall-issue.”
In a may-issue state, you do not have the guarantee of getting a carry permit, even if you meet all the requirements, which include passing the background check, doing the concealed carry training, and sending in the fees. The state authority may (or may not) issue you the right to concealed carry.
May-Issue Approach in Connecticut
Connecticut, with a population of 3.6 million, is one of the two states using a may-issue approach to concealed carry licensing. It means local law enforcement can grant or deny an applicant’s request for a gun carry license based on a “suitability clause.” You may ask, “What does the suitability clause entail?”
Both the issuance of new permits and the cancellation of current carry permits are subject to the suitability clause. It is the legal provision on the processes involved in obtaining a carry permit. The first step is that an applicant must submit an application for a temporary carry permit to the local government before submitting another application to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) at the state level.
Requirements for Purchasing a Firearm in Connecticut
In Connecticut, if you want to purchase a firearm, you must have a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP) or get a Certificate of Eligibility for Pistols and Revolvers, Long Guns, or Ammunition. If you want to transact with a private party, ensure a federally licensed dealer handles the purchasing process. That is to give room for a proper background check. In Connecticut, the CTPP and eligibility certificate legalize open carry and concealed carry of handguns.
There are conditions attached to the application for the CTPP or eligibility certificate. These conditions include:
- Applicant must be at least 21 years old
- Applicants for a CTPP can be resident or non-resident citizens of Connecticut with a valid CCW license from their home state
- Carrying guns at State parks and schools is off-limits
- CTPPs require a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises
- Connecticut does not recognize licenses and permits from any other states
The reason for the continuous increase in the number of applicants for a gun carry permit and eligibility certificate is the need for self-defense against harm. However, there are other legal provisions on self-defense that everyone needs to understand to avoid violating the law in the name of self-defense.
Other Regulations on Self-Defense
- Use of Physical Force to Defend Someone
The law permits a person to defend themselves or a third party from the use or possible use of physical force using reasonable physical force. However, they must not use deadly physical force unless the other party is using deadly physical force (inflicting bodily harm) or about to use deadly physical force (about to inflict serious bodily harm) on them.
- Deployment of Physical Force in Defense of Property
A person is allowed to use reasonable physical force only when and to the extent that they reasonably believe it is necessary for stopping a crime, such as a burglary or other criminal mischief involving the property.
- Using Physical Force in Defense of Premises
A person is allowed to use reasonable physical force when and to the extent that they believe it is necessary for preventing or terminating the commission or attempted commission of criminal trespass on their legal premises.