DOJ says ban on selling handguns to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional

Key Points:

• The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued a new opinion declaring the federal law that prohibits firearms dealers from selling handguns or handgun ammunition to adults aged 18 to 20 unconstitutional, citing Second Amendment rights.
• The opinion highlights inconsistencies, noting that 18-year-olds can vote, serve on juries, and be drafted, yet are barred from purchasing handguns, and while not legally binding, it may lead federal prosecutors to avoid pursuing related felony charges.
• The pro-gun control group GIFFORDS criticized the decision, arguing it endangers public safety by allowing younger adults access to handguns, which they say are disproportionately involved in shootings by this age group.
• The ban on handgun sales to those under 21 originates from the Gun Control Act of 1968, which permits those under 21 to buy rifles and shotguns, with some states enforcing stricter age limits.
• Legal challenges to these age restrictions have resulted in mixed rulings across federal circuits, with some courts declaring the bans unconstitutional and others upholding them.