Judge declares handgun laws violate Second Amendment.

Victory for Young Adults: Federal Judge Rules Ban on Handgun Purchases Unconstitutional

Background

In a landmark decision, Judge Robert E. Payne of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at Richmond has ruled that the U.S. government’s ban on 18- to 20-year-olds buying handguns violates the Second Amendment. The case, Fraser v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, was brought by John “Corey” Fraser and three other plaintiffs who were denied the ability to purchase handguns due to their age.

The Ruling

Judge Payne argued that the Second Amendment’s right to “keep and bear arms” applies to young adults and that the government’s age restriction on handgun purchases is without precedent in U.S. history. He dismissed the government’s examples of age-based restrictions on firearms purchases, stating that they were unclear and did not provide evidence of any historical precedent.

The Impact

This ruling is a significant victory for young adults who are law-abiding and responsible citizens. It affirms their right to own handguns and ammunition, which they would otherwise be unable to purchase due to the government’s ban. The decision also sets a precedent for future cases involving age-based restrictions on firearms purchases.

What’s Next?

The government may appeal the ruling, but for now, young adults in Virginia can legally purchase handguns. This decision is a reminder that the Second Amendment applies to all citizens, regardless of age, and that the government cannot infringe upon this fundamental right.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. government’s ban on 18- to 20-year-olds buying handguns violates the Second Amendment
• Judge Robert E. Payne ruled that the Second Amendment’s right to “keep and bear arms” applies to young adults
• The ruling is a significant victory for young adults who are law-abiding and responsible citizens
• The government may appeal the decision, but for now, young adults in Virginia can legally purchase handguns

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.