• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Federal judge in Virginia strikes down laws banning gun sales to adults under 21
Economy

Federal judge in Virginia strikes down laws banning gun sales to adults under 21

by May 12, 2023
by May 12, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

A federal judge in Virginia has struck down a law prohibiting licensed federal firearms dealers from selling handguns to 18- to 20-year-olds, finding that it violates their Second Amendment rights and is unconstitutional.

In a 71-page ruling issued Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Payne said that since adults under 21 have the right to vote, join the military and serve on a federal jury, there is no reason why federal law should restrict them from buying a firearm.

‘If the Court were to exclude 18-to-20-year-olds from the Second Amendment’s protection, it would impose limitations on the Second Amendment that do not exist with other constitutional guarantees,’ Payne wrote.

‘Because the statutes and regulations in question are not consistent with our Nation’s history and tradition, they, therefore, cannot stand,’ he wrote.

His opinion relied heavily on the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which said that courts must review the country’s ‘historical tradition of firearm regulation’ to evaluate the constitutionality of a gun restriction. That landmark ruling has led to several successful challenges to longstanding gun control laws brought by gun owners and Second Amendment groups.

Since the Bruen decision, courts have declared unconstitutional laws including federal measures designed to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and defendants under felony indictment, as well as a ban on possessing guns with the serial number removed. A federal judge recently cited the high court decision in ruling against a Minnesota law prohibiting 18- to 20-year-olds from getting permits to carry handguns in public. A judge struck down a similar law last year on gun restrictions for young adults in Texas.

Payne, who cited the 2022 Supreme Court ruling repeatedly in his ruling, wrote that the government failed to present ‘any evidence of age-based restrictions on the purchase or sale of firearms from the colonial era, Founding or Early Republic.’ The lack of similar regulations from those time periods indicates that the ‘Founders considered age-based regulations on the purchase of firearms to circumscribe the right to keep and bear arms confirmed by the Second Amendment,’ he wrote.

This class action lawsuit was brought by John Corey Fraser, 20, and other plaintiffs who said the Gun Control Act of 1968 and subsequent regulations from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were unconstitutional because they excluded all adults under 21 from ‘exercising the right to keep and bear arms.’ Fraser, 20, had attempted to purchase a Glock 19x handgun from a licensed dealer but was turned away, according to the lawsuit. 

Elliott Harding, an attorney representing Fraser, was pleased with Payne’s decision and expressed confidence the ruling will be upheld on appeal. 

‘Even though it ensures that future buyers can now purchase these firearms in the federal system — one that includes background checks and other requirements — we expect the defendants will appeal,’ Harding told the Associated Press.

Harding noted that 18- to 20-year-olds are currently allowed to buy handguns from private sellers, calling it a ‘loophole’ that is ‘completely unregulated.’ 

‘This allows them to go in and buy a registered firearm, direct from a manufacturer, but they’ll also go through background checks,’ he said. ‘They have to go through the traditional steps in purchasing a firearm.’

Everytown Law, a legal group that supports gun control and filed a brief supporting the ban on handgun sales to adults under 21, said the law is constitutional and an essential tool for preventing gun violence. 

‘Not only are guns the leading cause of death for U.S. kids and teens, but research shows us that 18- to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 years and older,’ said Janet Carter, Everytown Law’s senior director of issues and appeals.

‘The Court’s ruling will undoubtedly put lives at risk,’ Carter added, ‘It must be reversed.’

The Justice Department and ATF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Chris Pandolfo is a writer for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • North Carolina legislature confirms Nels Roseland as state controller
  • Influx of illegal Chinese migrants threatens US territory, island must show ‘strength of the nation’
  • NYC teachers win jobs back with backpay after refusing COVID-19 vaccine
  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announces nearly $3 million in mental health aid for those impacted by traumatic events
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Admiral dodges question over US Merchant Marine Academy official’s tweet about ‘white, male’ misogyny, racism
next post
White House ‘looking to move beyond’ Chinese spycraft incidents

You may also like

FBI not ‘forthcoming’ with Trump, Biden classified docs after House...

March 6, 2023

AOC ridiculed for viral take on legacy admissions following Supreme...

June 30, 2023

Climate groups urge Speaker Johnson to fight back on Biden’s...

January 15, 2024

Biden vetoes bill canceling his $400 billion student loan handout,...

June 8, 2023

Trump trial delayed in case stemming from Special Counsel Jack...

February 3, 2024

House committee grills Biden Labor Dept on child migrant exploitation...

June 2, 2023

I’ve been an actor for over 40 years, here’s why...

October 1, 2023

Biden admin issues 20-year mining ban as it turns to...

January 27, 2023

Ethereum fails to hold on to the bullish trend on...

October 8, 2024

Trump’s new book ‘Save America’ chronicles first-term triumphs, outlines blueprint...

July 25, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Waymo offers teen accounts for driverless rides

      July 8, 2025
    • Tariff Shock Spurs “Buy-the-Dip” Setups in Tesla and ON Semiconductor

      July 8, 2025
    • The Best Five Sectors, #26

      July 7, 2025
    • Is a Chinese chain’s blood orange cold brew the future of coffee in America?

      July 7, 2025
    • Don’t Overlook This Lagging Industry; I Believe It’s Set To Explode!

      July 6, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 3,630 views
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,919 views
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,607 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,574 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,448 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,165)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,656)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Waymo offers teen accounts for driverless rides

      July 8, 2025
    • Tariff Shock Spurs “Buy-the-Dip” Setups in Tesla and ON Semiconductor

      July 8, 2025
    • The Best Five Sectors, #26

      July 7, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,165)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,656)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Another Biden campaign co-chair has ties...

    June 8, 2023

    Spy balloon likely sent extensive intelligence...

    February 6, 2023

    Trump ends feud with swing-state governor...

    August 23, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here