Fifth Circuit Court rules handgun ban for 18-20-year-olds unconstitutional, reigniting a fierce gun control debate.
Quick Takes
- Fifth Circuit Court declares handgun purchase ban for 18-20-year-olds unconstitutional.
- Ruling aligns with Supreme Court decision expanding gun rights.
- Everytown for Gun Safety criticizes the ruling as a threat to reducing youth gun violence.
- The case will continue in lower courts for further proceedings.
Fifth Circuit Court’s Unanimous Decision
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, located in New Orleans, ruled against the federal ban on handgun purchases for individuals aged 18 to 20. This decision stems from the Reese v. ATF case, with judges involved from the Reagan and Bush eras, emphasizing the ruling’s conservative roots. The court indicated that this age group falls under “the people” entitled to Second Amendment protections.
As a result, the previous law mandating a minimum age of 21 to purchase handguns from licensed dealers is in jeopardy. Federal law concerning the purchase of long guns remains unchanged, as it permits sales to individuals aged 18 and above. This ruling marks a significant judicial discourse on gun rights expansion in America.
“If we can trust young adults to defend our country, we can certainly trust them to own any and all legal firearms.” – Alan Gottlieb
Backlash from Gun Control Advocates
Reactions to the court’s decision were swift, particularly from gun control advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety. The organization expressed concern, labeling the ruling “reckless” and highlighting the potential dangers of broadening gun access to younger individuals. Their stand reflects a broader societal debate on balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety.
“Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens…We hope the federal government will fight this reckless ruling by seeking rehearing en banc, or taking the case directly to the Supreme Court.” – Janet Carter.
The ruling is seen as a reversal of efforts to curb youth gun violence, and there’s a growing call among these groups for federal action to challenge the decision. The resolution remains uncertain as the case is handed back to lower courts for further examination.
Implications for Second Amendment Interpretations
This ruling follows the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court’s broader decisions expanding gun rights, pointing to a trend in interpretations of the Second Amendment by the higher courts. The Fifth Circuit’s conclusion aligns with similar cases presented across the nation, such as the Fourth Circuit and Ninth Circuit’s deliberations. However, these were impacted by subsequent legal challenges and vacating decisions, illustrating the contentious nature of this legal landscape.
With the Gun Control Act of 1968 and recent rulings placed under scrutiny, the ongoing legal playouts will likely influence the future frameworks of gun regulations across America. Second Amendment rights continue to be a focal point for legislative and judicial debates.
Sources:
- Court says banning gun sales to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional
- Everytown Throws Tantrum After 5th Circuit Rules Against Handgun Ban
