-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin M. McIver (KMcIver@ag.state.oh.us)
Sent: Mon, 2 May 2005
Subject: RE: Concealed Carry - Parks

Thank you for your inquiry.

Since the General Assembly has not provided a definition of the term "building" as it appears in the concealed handgun license law, we found it necessary to adopt a common dictionary definition of the word. But even that definition leaves room for disagreement about what may, in a given situation, qualify as a building for purposes of the law's restrictions. Barring the enactment of a more precise definition by the General Assembly, it may have to be left to the courts to refine that term and make nuanced decisions about what does and does not qualify as a building. But again, that is one of the functions of our courts--to make such distinctions when the legislature has not supplied them itself.

Cordially,

Kevin M. McIver
Senior Deputy Attorney General
Opinions Section