Minnesota Court Rules Adults Under 21 Can Legally Carry Guns

Minnesota Court Rules Adults Under 21 Can Legally Carry Guns

Post by : Raina Mansoor

July 17, 2024 11:41 a.m. 1427

Federal Appeals Court Rules Minnesota's Handgun Permit Age Requirement Unconstitutional

A federal appeals court has ruled that a Minnesota law requiring individuals to be at least 21 years old to obtain a permit to carry a handgun in public for self-defense is unconstitutional. The decision, delivered on Tuesday, found that the state's ban violated the Second Amendment rights of 18- to 20-year-olds to keep and bear arms.

The St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with gun rights groups, including the Second Amendment Foundation, the Firearms Policy Coalition, and the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, who had sued the state alongside some of their members. The ruling upholds a lower-court decision from last year that favored these gun rights advocates.

Writing for a panel of three judges, all appointed by Republican presidents, U.S. Circuit Judge Duane Benton cited recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have expanded gun rights. He emphasized that the Second Amendment's plain text does not impose an age limit. "Importantly, the Second Amendment's plain text does not have an age limit," Benton wrote.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The panel's decision referenced the landmark 2022 Supreme Court case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. That ruling established a new standard for evaluating firearms laws, asserting that any restrictions must align with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Judge Benton also cited a more recent Supreme Court decision in United States v. Rahimi, which clarified the standard set in Bruen. The Rahimi ruling upheld a federal ban on firearm possession by individuals under domestic violence restraining orders, noting that modern firearms restrictions did not need a "historical twin" law. However, Benton noted that while regulations disarming individuals posing credible threats to others' safety could be justified, Minnesota had not demonstrated why 18- to 20-year-olds represented a specific risk that warranted the age-based restriction.

The ruling has significant implications for gun control laws, as similar lawsuits challenging age-based firearm restrictions are pending in other states, including Georgia, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Gun rights groups are likely to view this decision as a victory and a precedent for future cases.

The Minnesota law in question, enacted in 2003, had faced increasing scrutiny under the evolving legal landscape shaped by recent Supreme Court decisions. The ruling by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals now adds to the ongoing debate over the balance between public safety and individual gun rights.

A spokesperson for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat whose office defended the law, did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

As the nation continues to grapple with gun control issues, this decision underscores the complex legal and constitutional challenges involved in regulating firearm possession and the enduring influence of the Second Amendment in shaping such laws. The full impact of the ruling will unfold as other courts address similar challenges and as legislative bodies consider how to navigate the precedents set by these decisions.

Bahrain & Saudi F1 Races Cancelled Amid Middle East Conflict

F1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix due to Middle East tensions, cutting the season to 22 races

March 14, 2026 5:15 p.m. 206

Revolution Wind Starts Power Supply to New England Homes

Revolution Wind, halted under Trump, begins sending clean energy to New England, powering 350,000 ho

March 14, 2026 4:15 p.m. 221

WADA May Bar Trump, US Officials from 2028 LA Olympics

WADA considers new rules that could block Trump and US officials from LA 2028 Olympics over unpaid d

March 14, 2026 4 p.m. 256

Tshepo Balozwi’s Journey of Resilience and Starting Again in Dubaiz

From career advocate to starting again in Dubai, Tshepo Balozwi’s journey shows resilience, humility

March 13, 2026 12:07 p.m. 954

Explosion Targets Jewish School Wall in Amsterdam

An overnight blast hit the outer wall of a Jewish school in Amsterdam. No injuries were reported. Po

March 14, 2026 3:15 p.m. 215

Ghaitah Al Ain Festival 2026 to Celebrate Eid with Family Fun

Ghaitah Al Ain Festival returns from March 20–27, 2026 at ADNEC Al Ain Centre with live shows, famil

March 14, 2026 3:07 p.m. 227

UAE, Ethiopia Leaders Boost Trade, Security Cooperation

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum meets Abiy Ahmed in the UAE to strengthen trade, investment and touri

March 14, 2026 2:52 p.m. 222

UAE Energy Minister Reviews FOIZ Fire Response Measures

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei inspected the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after a fire, review

March 14, 2026 1:19 p.m. 220

Sabalenka vs Rybakina Set for Indian Wells Final Clash

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina reach the Indian Wells final after straight-sets wins, setting up

March 14, 2026 12:53 p.m. 219
Sponsored
https://markaziasolutions.com/
Trending News

Bank of Baroda Faces Abu Dhabi Legal Battle over NMC Collapse

Bank of Baroda’s involvement in Abu Dhabi litigation tied to the NMC Healthcare collapse raises repu

Feb. 23, 2026 6:01 p.m. 614

Top Museum Openings of 2026 Set to Transform Global Tourism

From Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 2026 brings major museum launches—Lucas Museum, Guggenhe

Feb. 23, 2026 5:36 p.m. 616

UAE Tour Highlights UAE’s Strength in Hosting Global Sports Events

Abu Dhabi Sports Council says the successful UAE Tour reflects the UAE’s leading role in hosting maj

Feb. 23, 2026 4:21 p.m. 587

EU Seeks Clarity from US After Supreme Court IEEPA Ruling

European Commission urges full transparency from the US on steps after Supreme Court ruling, emphasi

Feb. 23, 2026 4:04 p.m. 545

SpaceX Launches 53 New Satellites for Expanding Starlink Network

SpaceX launches 53 Starlink satellites in two Falcon 9 missions, breaking reuse records and expandin

Feb. 23, 2026 3:51 p.m. 544

RTA Awards Contract for Phase II of Hessa Street Upgrade in Dubai

Phase II of Hessa Street Development to add bridges, tunnel, and upgraded intersections, doubling ca

Feb. 23, 2026 3:20 p.m. 632

UAE Gold Prices Today, Monday 16 February 2026: Dubai & Abu Dhabi Updated Rates

Gold prices in UAE on 16 Feb 2026 updated: 24K around AED 599.75/gm, 22K AED 555.25/gm, and 18K AED

Feb. 16, 2026 6:04 p.m. 1190

Over 25 Ahmedabad Schools Receive Bomb Threat Email, Authorities Investigate

More than 25 schools in Ahmedabad evacuated after bomb threat emails mentioning Khalistan. Authoriti

Feb. 16, 2026 2:34 p.m. 599