Associated Press

CIRCLEVILLE – Appeals court judges in one southern Ohio district have decided they need to carry guns to protect themselves.

Last week, judges in the 4th District Ohio Court of Appeals authorized themselves to carry concealed handguns both in and outside the 14 county courthouses where they conduct sessions.

The court's order exempts the judges from obtaining firearms training and a concealed-carry permit. State law already allows judges, prosecutors, bailiffs and law-enforcement officers to be armed in courthouses.

Judge William H. Harsha tells The Columbus Dispatch that it's necessary because not all of the courthouses — particularly in smaller, rural counties — have metal detectors and armed guards.

State officials know of no similar orders authorizing a group of judges to carry handguns off the job.