Conflicting rulings on Cincinnati gun laws expected to be reviewed by Ohio Supreme Court

Two Hamilton County judges have issued conflicting rulings about whether the city of Cincinnati can regulate guns, creating an unusual situation that is expected to be reviewed by the Ohio Supreme Court.

On Sept. 14, Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Branch said the Ohio Constitution’s home rule provision allows local governments to enact ordinances to regulate firearms. Branch’s ruling was hailed by the city. Mayor Aftab Pureval and Police Chief Theresa Theetge held a news conference on the courthouse steps the day Branch’s decision was released.

But the previous week, in...