A double throw latch for a carrying case has a first elongated body, a first end of the body being pivotally mounted with one part of a carrying case. There is also a second elongated body that is pivotally mounted on the first elongated body. There is a first hook element on the first elongated body, and the first hook element is located towards a second end of the first elongated body. The first hook element is for engagement with a mating first formation on a second part of the carrying case. There is also an engaging element for engagement with a portion on the first elongated body. The area adjacent to where the second elongated body pivots with the first elongated body provides an inter-engaging surface or element for engagement with an opposite face on the first part of the case. After the second elongated body is toggled a predetermined amount from the closed position, the second elongated body engages the formation of the first elongated body. The first elongated body then separates from the mating first formation of the second part of the carrying case. It thereby disengages the first hook element from the mating first formation on the second part of the case. The first elongated body pivots relative to the first part of the carrying case at a position relatively close to the body of the carrying case.