In a landmark judgment, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that declares Minnesota's restrictions on gun carry permits for adults under 21 unconstitutional.

According to Newsmax, The appeals court confirmed that the Second Amendment guarantees the right for young adults aged 18 to 20 to carry handguns for self-defense.

Background on the Case

The dispute, titled Worth v. Harrington, began when several plaintiffs, including the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and individual residents, contested Minnesota's 2003 law. This statute restricted handgun carry permits to individuals over 21, whereas the federal age limit for owning handguns is 18, sparking a constitutional challenge.

U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Menendez found the state law unconstitutional in March 2023, influenced by the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which affirmed the broad scope of the Second Amendment.

Appeal to the 8th Circuit Court

The determination by Judge Menendez prompted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to seek a review by the full 8th Circuit panel, filing his petition on July 30. The review aimed to reassess the extension of Second Amendment rights to younger adults, specifically those aged 18 to 20.

This effort was thwarted when the 8th Circuit's three-judge panel, led by Judge Lavenski Smith with Judges Duane Benton and David Straus, unanimously dismissed the petition on Wednesday. Their ruling underscored that the Second Amendment does not restrict rights based on age.

The Court's Firm Stance on Gun Rights

The appeals court confirmed that Minnesota had not provided substantial evidence to justify barring 18-to-20-year-olds from the Second Amendment's right to carry handguns publicly for self-defense. This decision aligns with a broader judicial trend of interpreting constitutional rights expansively when it comes to firearm ownership.

Moreover, Adam Kraut, from the Second Amendment Foundation, supported the verdict, stating that the age group in question has historically been considered part of "the people" protected under the Second Amendment, citing their involvement in militias and the military.

Governor's Concerns Over the Ruling

Minnesota's Governor, Tim Walz, voiced concerns about the ruling's potential consequences. While acknowledging the rationale that rights granted to military members at 18 could extend to civilian gun ownership, he pointed out significant differences in training and responsibilities.

He argued that the maturity and impulse control of young adults are crucial factors, especially when it comes to handling firearms. Walz advocated for the importance of training and responsible gun ownership, suggesting that the court's decision might lead to increased risks in public safety.