A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled (2-1) that a 21-year minimum age restriction on handgun purchases is unconstitutional. In his majority opinion Judge Julius N Richardson wrote “Looking through the historical lens to the text and structure of the Constitution reveals that 18-to-20-year olds have Second Amendment rights.
Virtually every other Constitutional right applies whatever the age, and the Second Amendment is no different. The militia laws in force at the time of ratification uniformly required those 18 and older to join the militia and bring their own arms. While some historical restrictions existed, none supported finding that 18-year-olds lack rights under the Second Amendment.” Gun control advocates are expected to appeal the decision.
