Connecticut is also known as the "Constitution State", although the reason for this is a little uncertain. It may well be something to do with the role that was played in the federal constitutional convention that was held in 1787. What happened at this convention played a big part in state legislature across the whole of the US. Until the early 20th century when Senators became directly elected, rather than being selected by the various state legislatures.
The highest court in the land is the Connecticut Supreme Court and is responsible for deciding whether a law is constitutional and on cases and how they relate to the law. Below the Supreme Court is the Appellate Court and then Superior Courts. Some of the laws currently in place are as follows.
Laws in Connecticut relating to guns
The purchase of firearms and ammunition in the US state of Connecticut is regulated. It requires training, a background check and permit requirements have to be met. Certain types of firearms are banned. These include those defined as "assault weapons" and magazine holding more than 19 rounds. Both residents and non-residents can be issued with a Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers, and this covers both open and concealed carry. Being issuing a permit the State statute specifies an applicant has to be deemed suitable, but the actual definition of such a person is not given.
Laws in Connecticut relating to gambling
The forms of gambling that are legal in Connecticut include two Indian casinos, the Connecticut Lottery, charitable gaming and parimutuel wagering. The two Indian casinos are in Ledyard and Uncasville and named Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. They operate on tribal lands in accordance with the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The operators are the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe. Part of the revenue from the slot machines is given to the state. In exchange for the continued prohibition on slot machines outside the two casinos.
Parimutuel wagering refers to horse and greyhound racing and jai alai, a game very similar to squash. This type of betting is allowed in the two Indian casinos as well as in 16 off-track betting parlors located around the state.
Permitted charitable gaming includes raffles, bingo, carnival games and pull-tabs that are for the purpose of fund-raising. Licensing of legal forms of gambling is undertaken by the Gaming Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Laws in Connecticut relating to alcohol
A law was passed by Congress in 1984, that made the minimum drinking age 21. All US states were forced to make this the legal drinking age and it applies today in Connecticut. However, there are certain exceptions to the rule.
For example, underage consumption is permitted on private non-alcohol selling premises with parental consent, for medicinal and religious purposes. And when being consumed on alcohol selling promises with parental consent. An exception also applies to the purchasing of alcohol, if a legal guardian, aged 21 or older is present.
Laws in Connecticut relating to drugs
The law relating to drug possession in Connecticut is very serious. Anyone found to be breaking the law is liable to be punished severely. Possession of marijuana for quantities under half an ounce has been decriminalized. Although a first offense could still bring a $150 fine. However, get caught with more than this amount and prosecution is still common and likely to be harsh.
Substances classified as hallucinogens are LSD/Acid, Molly/MMDA/Ecstasy, PCP/Angel Dust and Mescaline. Being found in possession could mean a fine of up to $5,000 or up to 10 years in jail. Possession of narcotics such as heroine, cocaine or crack cocaine have even stiffer penalties.
For example, the penalty for a third or subsequent offense is up to 25 years in jail and up to a $250,000 fine. A mandatory 2 year jail sentence will be imposed for anyone caught possessing illegal drugs within 1500 feet of a school or day care center. Even being caught with just the paraphernalia can mean a maximum sentence of 3 months in jail.