Fifth Circuit Strikes Down Federal Handgun Ban for 18-to-20-Year-Olds in Major FPC Win
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the federal handgun ban for adults aged 18 to 20 years old is unconstitutional.
This ruling in Reese v. ATF marks a significant victory for the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Second Amendment advocates.
Court Rules in Favor of Second Amendment Rights
The court stated that the Second Amendment protects 18-to-20-year-old individuals as part of “the people” with a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The federal government provided little evidence that firearm rights were similarly restricted during the founding era.
The opinion concluded: “In sum, 18 U.S.C. §§ 992(b)(1), (c)(1) and their attendant regulations are unconstitutional in light of our Nation’s historic tradition of firearm regulation.”
FPC Applauds Major Legal Victory
“This ruling is yet another critical FPC win against an immoral and unconstitutional age-based gun ban,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “We look forward to restoring the Second Amendment rights of all peaceable adults throughout the United States.”
Reese v. ATF: A Strategic Fight for Liberty
The Reese case is part of FPC Law, a legal initiative aimed at eliminating unconstitutional laws and expanding individual liberty. FPC worked alongside the Second Amendment Foundation, Louisiana Shooting Association, and two FPC members in this case. The FPC Action Foundation also provided strategic support.
About Firearms Policy Coalition
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring constitutional rights. Through litigation, legislative action, grassroots activism, and outreach, FPC fights for a world of maximal human liberty.
FPC Law (FPCLaw.org) is the nation’s leading legal initiative focused on defending the right to keep and bear arms.
To read the court’s opinion, visit firearmspolicy.org/reese.