Gun Battle at the White House? Robert Novak has this column in the WashPost on the remarkable event of the Solicitor General filing a brief for the United States in the D.C. gun case and then the Vice President joining another brief taking a different view. Marty Lederman has these comments at SCOTUSblog.

Leniency in youth gun crime. As reported by Lorne Gunter from the Edmonton Journal, Statistic Canada produced a study on guns and crime from 1996-2006. They found gun crime among youth to stand out the most, specifically with the use of handguns. Canada has a gun registry. However, Gunter points out its ineffective due to the Young Offenders Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act, which directs prosecutors to take 'extrajudicial measures' when possible. The data also found that almost 50% more juveniles use a gun during the commission of a crime than adults.

Anti-Gang law going unused. D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier is frustrated at the fact the anti-gang law has not been put to use since enacted in 2006. Allison Klein, Washington Post Staff writer, reports the purpose of the law was to generate tougher penalties in cases involving gang activity; defendants would face up to five more years in prison if the crime is gang related. D.C.’s attorney generals office has brought charges under the law 12 times, yet they have not fully enforced it.

More Cops for LA According to L.A. Times reporters Duke Helfand and Joel Rubin, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is promising to continue increases in the size of the Los Angeles Police Department despite the city’s budget deficit of at least $400 million in the upcoming fiscal year. Villaraigosa noted that crime has decreased to their lowest levels in more than half a century, which is why “[he] will do everything in [his] power to protect the buildup of the LAPD…”

Long Beach: New rules for sex offenders
A story by Paul Eakins in the Press Telegram reports that City Council passed a new residency law Tuesday for sex offenders. Under the new law, state parole officers will not be allowed to ‘group’ registered sex offenders in single structures like apartments, duplex buildings, or single-family dwellings, unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Next week, the City Council will decide when this law will take effect. When it does, offenders will have six months to relocate. Marge Landress, a Long Beach apartment building owner, said, “If you can scatter them around, I think they will feel better. I know we would.”

Pull them up or pay up
As reported by WFTV News, Riviera Beach, Florida has adopted an ordinance making it a crime to sport low hanging pants in public. Those cited will face a $150 fine. Repeat offenders will be sent to jail for 60 days. While the measure is targeted to a fashion popular with youth engaged in gangs and hip hop, depending upon how it is enforced the law could impact some adults in the plumbing and appliance repair industries.