DOJ says ban on selling handguns to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional
Summary
The Justice Department said a federal law that stops gun dealers from selling handguns to people aged 18 to 20 is unconstitutional because it violates their right to bear arms. This opinion means prosecutors may stop charging dealers with crimes for selling handguns to young adults under 21.Key Facts
- The law banned selling handguns or handgun ammo to young adults aged 18 to 20.
- The Justice Department’s legal opinion says this ban violates the Second Amendment (right to bear arms).
- The opinion was shared by the assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel.
- The opinion is not legally binding and does not set a legal precedent.
- It may lead federal prosecutors to not charge gun dealers who sell handguns to 18-20 year olds.
- Groups like GIFFORDS oppose the opinion, saying young adults 18-20 commit many gun-related crimes.
- The opinion follows another Justice Department move not to fight a court decision relaxing rules on silencers and special firearms.
- The opinion highlights that 18-year-olds can do many adult activities like voting and military service but currently cannot buy handguns federally.
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