Federal Court Examines the Constitutionality of Florida’s Age Restriction on Gun Purchases
Background
A federal appeals court in Atlanta examined the constitutionality of a Florida law that restricts individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns. The law was enacted in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 17 students and faculty members.
The Law and the NRA’s Challenge
The National Rifle Association (NRA) challenged the law, arguing that it is unconstitutional. The law was upheld by the U.S. District Court, and the NRA appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court decided to hold an en banc hearing to review the law.
The Hearing
During the hearing, judges wrestled with questions about how to apply U.S. Supreme Court rulings involving gun rights to the Florida law. The court considered two major Supreme Court decisions: United States vs. Rahimi and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The judges also discussed the country’s history of regulating guns.
Arguments
John Parker Sweeney, a lawyer representing the NRA, argued that the age restriction is unconstitutional because it was not a tradition known at the time the Second Amendment was adopted in the 18th century. He pointed out that people under 21 had limited rights and were not considered adults in terms of financial independence or the ability to enter into contracts.
Chief Judge William Pryor questioned the justification for prohibiting 18-year-olds, who are considered adults, from purchasing guns. He noted that the Florida law allows people under 21 to possess or use guns, but only if they are given as gifts.
Judges’ Questions
The judges asked several questions, including:
- How does the common law at the time of the founding support the age restriction?
- Is the age restriction consistent with the principles underlying the nation’s history and tradition of regulating firearms?
- Why does Florida treat 18-to-20-year-olds as minors for the purposes of firearms, but not for other activities such as voting or drinking?
Conclusion
The outcome of the case is yet to be determined. The judges will deliberate and issue a decision on the constitutionality of Florida’s age restriction on gun purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Florida law that restricts individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns?
A: The law was enacted in 2018, shortly after the Parkland school shooting.
Q: Why did the NRA challenge the law?
A: The NRA argued that the law is unconstitutional and violates the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Q: How did the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rule on the law?
A: The court initially upheld the law, but the NRA asked for an en banc review, which resulted in the hearing held on Tuesday.
Q: What is the outcome of the case?
A: The outcome is still pending, as the judges will deliberate and issue a decision on the constitutionality of the Florida law.
