Reports show that a court in Minnesota ruled in favor of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, overturning the state’s prohibition on firearms licenses for anyone younger than 21.
The statute that established a minimum age for obtaining a handgun carry permit in 2003 was challenged by three different persons. They claimed the legislation violated the Second Amendment rights of anyone under 21.
They want to carry firearms for self-defense but do not because they are afraid of being susceptible to arrest or punishment for breaking the permission requirement, according to the complaint filed on their behalf by people between 18 and 20 years of age.
The report shows Judge Katherine Menendez of the US District Court ruled that the age restriction was unconstitutional since it targeted those between 18 and 20.
She cited the Supreme Court’s 2022 opinion in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in her 50-page conclusion, which she used to determine that the Minnesota statute was unconstitutional.
The judge said that the new legal standard for assessing regulations restricting handgun ownership set out by the Supreme Court provided the basis for her judgment.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled that for gun legislation to be upheld as Constitutional, the government must show that it is harmonious with the country’s long practice of firearm regulation.
According to Menendez’s decision, Minnesota residents between 18 and 20 years old may now apply for a concealed carry permit.
Attorney General Keith Ellison of Minnesota filed a motion to delay the decision. Ellison hoped a stay would give the state time to challenge the court’s judgment or at least delay its implementation for 60 days.
The finding by Menendez coincides with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s (D) call for stricter gun laws this year.
The judge explained that some Minnesotans would be satisfied with the ruling. Others may ask whether there is anything left that can be done to ensure the public’s safety in regard to firearms via the political process. However, Bruen makes it plain that the theoretical framework began and ended well over 200 years ago. Therefore, modern policy problems are irrelevant.
