ON
← Back to feed
DOJ won't enforce handgun ban for 18- to 20-year-olds
United States🏛️ PoliticsConservativeOverlooked by progressives8 hr. ago

DOJ won't enforce handgun ban for 18- to 20-year-olds

The U.S. Department of Justice announced it will not enforce a 1968 federal law that prohibited licensed gun dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20, citing a legal opinion that the restriction violates the Second Amendment. The decision, authored by Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser, argues that young adults in this age range are entitled to the right to purchase handguns. This marks the first time a major federal agency has decided not to enforce such a law, despite the Supreme Court having never ruled on its constitutionality. Advocacy groups like Giffords and Brady argue the move is illegal and dangerous, claiming it undermines public safety and prioritizes the interests of the gun industry over community well-being. The decision leaves uncertainty about whether dealers will immediately start selling handguns to those aged 18 to 20, as the Department of Justice has not provided clear directives to licensed firearms sellers.

Advertisement

Go to the primary sources (5)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

4 reports

Reason logoReasonParty-alignedConservative8 hr. ago
Restriction on Handgun Sales to Out-of-State Residents Violates Second Amendment

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in 'Elite Precision Customs L.L.C. v. BATFE' that a restriction on handgun sales to out-of-state residents violates the Second Amendment. The decision, authored by Judge Jerry Smith and joined by Judge Kurt Engelhardt, rejected the argument that the ban constitutes a minor infringement on gun rights, emphasizing that any cost associated with exercising a fundamental constitutional right is problematic. The ruling overturns previous interpretations of the Second Amendment within the circuit, aligning with the Supreme Court’s 'Bruen' standard. Judge Catharina Haynes dissented, supporting the lower court’s decision to uphold the law. The case involves legal challenges to federal regulations governing interstate firearm transactions.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the ruling as a significant victory for Second Amendment rights, highlighting the court's rejection of arguments that justify restrictions on gun ownership. The emphasis on the 'cost' of exercising a constitutional right and the critique of prior judicial tolerance for such costs,

Axios logoAxiosIndependentConservative9 hr. ago
DOJ won't enforce handgun ban for 18- to 20-year-olds

The U.S. Department of Justice announced it will not enforce a 1968 federal law that prohibited licensed gun dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20, citing a legal opinion that the restriction violates the Second Amendment. The decision, authored by Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser, argues that young adults in this age range are entitled to the right to purchase handguns. This marks the first time a major federal agency has decided not to enforce such a law, despite the Supreme Court having never ruled on its constitutionality. Advocacy groups like Giffords and Brady argue the move is illegal and dangerous, claiming it undermines public safety and prioritizes the interests of the gun industry over community well-being. The decision leaves uncertainty about whether dealers will immediately start selling handguns to those aged 18 to 20, as the Department of Justice has not provided clear directives to licensed firearms sellers.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the decision as a victory for gun rights and aligns with conservative interpretations of the Second Amendment. It emphasizes the argument that the age restriction is unconstitutional and highlights the stance of pro-gun advocacy groups. The focus on the DOJ's legal interpretation,

The Washington Times logoThe Washington TimesParty-alignedConservative12 hr. ago
DOJ says 18-20-year-olds can't be barred from buying handguns

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion stating that federal laws preventing individuals aged 18-20 from purchasing handguns conflict with the Constitution and cannot be enforced. This ruling challenges existing gun control measures by asserting that such restrictions are unconstitutional. The decision highlights ongoing debates over Second Amendment rights and youth access to firearms. It does not immediately alter current enforcement practices but signals a potential shift in legal interpretations regarding firearm regulations.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the DOJ's legal opinion as a constitutional challenge to existing gun control laws, emphasizing the interpretation of the Second Amendment. This aligns with conservative perspectives that prioritize individual gun rights over restrictive legislation. The focus on the unenforceable

Breitbart News logoBreitbart NewsIndependentConservative14 hr. ago
DOJ: Ban on Handgun Sales to 18- Through 20-Year-Olds Unconstitutional, Cannot Be Enforced

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has ruled that the federal ban on handgun sales to individuals aged 18 to 20 years old is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. This determination was made by the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel, which argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are 'the people' protected by the Second Amendment. Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser emphasized that these individuals have rights akin to adults, such as voting, jury service, and facing adult criminal penalties. The ruling specifically targets statutes that prevent federally licensed dealers from selling handguns or ammunition to those under 21, stating that enforcing such laws would violate constitutional protections for law-abiding adults. The decision reflects a broader legal debate over gun control policies and individual freedoms.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the DOJ's ruling as a defense of Second Amendment rights, emphasizing the constitutional protection of young adults. It highlights the legal arguments supporting gun ownership for 18- to 20-year-olds, aligning with conservative positions on gun rights. The emphasis on the unenforc

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories