The recent ruling by U.S. Circuit Judge Kent A. Jordan has sent shockwaves across the nation. The court determined Pennsylvania’s gun restrictions for 18- to 20-year-olds infringe on Second Amendment rights. This decision may redefine the boundaries of age and gun ownership laws nationwide.

A Historic Court Decision

A federal appeals court deemed Pennsylvania laws restricting under-21 gun possession unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit revisited the case following a remand from the U.S. Supreme Court.

The ruling supported previous decisions tied to Supreme Court cases. Judge Kent A. Jordan wrote the majority opinion joined by Judge D. Brooks Smith.

Implications for Younger Adults

The court affirmed that Second Amendment protections extend to all adults. Criticism arose over the reliance on historical restrictions not aligned with founding-era laws.

“In making this observation, we are not, as he complains, demanding that he produce a historical twin; we are insisting only that he provide something that in principle is genuinely analogous, and the 1721 Pennsylvania statute falls conspicuously short.” – U.S. Circuit Judge Kent A. Jordan

Judge L. Felipe Restrepo dissented, claiming the Second Amendment doesn’t apply to 18- to 20-year-olds. The Firearms Policy Coalition praised the decision for combatting age-based gun bans.

Broadening the Scope of Gun Laws

The case originated in 2020 by Pennsylvania adults and gun groups contesting the laws. The decision criticized officials for lacking historical evidence to support age restrictions.

The ruling pushes for consistent regulations with historical traditions. Pennsylvania’s Attorney General has yet to comment on the outcome.

Sources:

Pennsylvania Gun Restrictions for Young People Unconstitutional: Appeals Court | The Epoch Times

Appellate Court Confirms Young Adults Have Second Amendment Rights – Bearing Arms

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