LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a recent ruling, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the authority of law enforcement officers to stop individuals and request a concealed pistol license if there is reasonable suspicion that the person may be carrying a firearm.

Where did the case come from?

This decision stems from a case involving a man who was stopped by Detroit police after the officers observed what appeared to be a gun concealed under his shirt.

MORE NEWS: Lakeside Mall Set to be Demolished for Redevelopment

The man in question was approached by three Detroit police officers who had noticed the possible presence of a firearm. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was indeed carrying a gun without the required license.

Court of Appeals overturns lower court decision in favor of law enforcement.

Despite the man’s objection to the search, asserting its lack of justification, lower courts initially sided with him. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals unanimously overturned this decision, drawing on precedent from federal cases that supported the legality of warrantless searches based on the suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon.

Central to the appellate panel’s reasoning was Michigan law, which considers the mere act of carrying a concealed gun as potentially criminal unless proven otherwise with a valid license. This legal framework places the burden on individuals to demonstrate the lawfulness of their possession by presenting a concealed pistol license upon request from law enforcement.