(Jackson, MS) – Jackson State University’s Institute of Government hosted a public forum and presented research on Mississippi’s “Castle Doctrine” and open carry gun laws on Jan. 29, at the JSU Student Center Theater.
The event, held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., featured panelists Terry Wallace, the former city attorney for the City of Jackson, and Jim Mozingo, a former assistant city attorney for the City of Jackson. The forum also included commentary and viewpoints from clergy, law enforcement, the Mississippi Attorney General’s office, legislators, public service agencies and students.
“Since the passage of the laws, there’s been a lengthy debate about public safety and the rights of citizens. There’s a need for continuous discussion over these laws,” said Dr. Otha Burton, executive director of the Institute of Government.
Wallace presently serves as a criminal prosecutor with the 22nd Circuit Court District of Mississippi. He also is an adjunct professor in Urban and Regional Planning at JSU.
Mozingo is the managing member of MOZINGO/QUARLES, PLLC, a Mississippi law firm with a practice focused on business and commercial transactions and litigation and debtor-creditor rights.
Mississippi adopted its Castle Doctrine law in 2006 as an amendment to the state’s justifiable homicide law. The amendment provided key provisions in which residents can use deadly force. The open carry gun law was passed in 2013. Several officials sued to block the law, but the state Supreme Court upheld the measure. Under the law, adults do not need permits to carry a gun that is not concealed.