Handgun Restrictions For People Under 21 Ruled Unconstitutional For Violating Second Amendment

The federal laws that prohibit adults under 21 from purchasing a handgun were ruled unconstitutional on Tuesday for violating the Second Amendment.

A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Richmond, Virginia, came to a 2-1 decision that found those 18 years old and older have the right to bear arms.

The new ruling deems that the federal law, which was enacted by Congress in 1968, violates the Second Amendment. The ruling came down after being brought in front of the court by a 19-year-old and later a 20-year old who attempted to buy handguns but were denied due to their age.

The two then sued the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, alleging the federal statutes in place that ban federally licensed firearms dealers from selling ammunition and firearms to people aged 18, 19, and 20 was a violation of their Second Amendment rights.

“Looking through this historical lens to the text and structure of the Constitution reveals that 18- to 20-year-olds have Second Amendment rights. Virtually every other constitutional right applies whatever the age. And the Second Amendment is no different,” the court said in its ruling.

The panel also reflected on the early days of the nation when 18-year-olds were required to handle weapons while serving in the military.

“Despite the weighty interest in reducing crime and violence, we refuse to relegate either the Second Amendment or 18- to 20-year-olds to a second-class status,” Judge Julius Richardson wrote in the ruling.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said, “We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and are considering our options.”