From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
DOJ says gun sales ban for under-21s unconstitutional
Justice Department declares federal gun sales ban for under-21s unconstitutional.
In brief
Justice Department declares federal gun sales ban for under-21s unconstitutional. The U.S. Justice Department stated that federal law restricting licensed dealers from selling handguns to 18-20-year-olds violates the Second Amendment and cannot be enforced. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Federal law on gun sales for under-21s
The Justice Department says federal law banning licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to young adults under age 21 is unconstitutional and unenforceable.
Second Amendment violation
The law aimed at making it harder for 18- to 20-year-olds to get handguns violates the Second Amendment, according to the Justice Department.
Trump administration stance
The Trump administration will not defend or prosecute cases under the law that has been the subject of competing court rulings after a Supreme Court decision transformed firearm laws.
Assistant Attorney General statement
Assistant Attorney General Elliot Gaiser said eighteen-year-olds may vote, serve on juries, be drafted, and face adult criminal penalties including capital punishment.
Constitutional argument
The Constitution protects the people’s right to keep and bear arms, so the Department of Justice may not impose criminal penalties on dealers selling handguns to law-abiding adults who are members of the political community.
Gun control groups reaction
Gun control groups called the Justice Department’s opinion misguided and dangerous, warning it will stop holding illegal sellers of handguns accountable for 18- to 20-year-olds.
What it means
The U.S. Justice Department stated that federal law restricting licensed dealers from selling handguns to 18-20-year-olds violates the Second Amendment and cannot be enforced.
