Thanks, but just to be clear, Comm2A's role in this case was limited to amicus. We did not originate this case, fund it, or participate in it's planning or execution. While I'd like to think that our amicus work in the SJC and at SCOTUS helped the justices to arrive at their decision, the real credit here goes to Ms. Caetano and her public defender. This was a somewhat expense out-of-pocket expense, but worth every single penny.
This is the kind of case where 99.99% of the time the courts, prosecutors and defense attorneys conspire to clear cases rather than dispensing justice. Ms. Caetano's conviction was placed 'on file' - over her objection - essentially relieving her of any adverse consequence from her conviction. This was also a fact that the Commonwealth used to assert that she had no right to an appeal. It was only because Ms. Caetano and her public defender where determined to right a serious injustice that we were able to get this far. The real hero here is Ms. Caetano's public defender. For me he is the model of what every legal advocate should be. His petition to the US Supreme Court and especially his
reply to the Commonwealth's opposition were just outstanding. I really encourage everyone to these filings because they are brilliant.
One of the best aspects of this case is that neither Ms. Caetano nor her attorney are particularity strong 2A torch bearers as far as I know. This case is about fundamental justice and the rule of law and that's what we see prevailing today. By the way, did I mention this was an under-paid public defender who could have easily told his client to just be happy with this quasi, no consequences conviction?
Ironically, perhaps the party we should thank here is the SJC itself. Without their utter contempt for the Second Amendment and their willingness to thumb their nose at established law we would not have gotten here. They could have easily disposed of this case without giving the Supreme Court the opportunity drag them over the coals. In this sense, they've done everyone a favor by finally getting SCOTUS to do something more with the Second Amendment.
Today is one of the most gratifying I've had since we started Comm2A. While I'm delighted with the 2A implications of the ruling, I'm particularly happy that in some small way we're contributing to undoing a particularly stark and unfair injustice.