US Judge Strikes Law Barring Handgun Sales to Those Under 21
A federal court in Virginia has ruled that federal laws prohibiting the sale of handguns under 21 years of age violate the constitutional right to own firearms.
The decision, which is likely to be challenged by the Justice Department, won’t take effect until Judge Robert Payne of the U.S. District Court of Eastern District of Virginia (appointed by President George H.W. Bush) issues his final order in the coming weeks. Bush will issue his final order within the next few weeks.
This ruling does not apply to the 19 states which have laws prohibiting handgun sales under 21.
Payne’s decision follows the Supreme Court’s expansion of gun rights over the last year, to which the judge made frequent reference in his ruling on Wednesday.
|
Payne’s decision stated that the laws and regulations at issue were not in line with our country’s tradition and history.
The lawyers representing the Justice Department did not respond immediately to a comment request.
Elliott Harding, attorney for four plaintiffs aged 18-20 who wanted to buy handguns said that he was happy with the decision.
Harding stated that “even though this decision ensures future purchasers can purchase these firearms under the federal system which includes background checks and requirements, we expect that the Defendants would appeal.” “We remain hopeful that the decision will eventually be upheld.”
The issue of gun rights is a controversial one in the United States, a country with high firearm violence and many mass shootings.
According to Gun Violence Archive, there have been at minimum 210 mass shootings in 2023. This is the highest number of such incidents at this stage in the year since 2016. According to the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, a mass shooting is defined as a shooting in which at least four people are injured or killed. This does not include the shooter.
