Next month, a federal appeals court will hear arguments in the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) challenge to a Florida law that prohibits individuals under 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns. The law was enacted following the tragic 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
While lower courts have upheld the law, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will now consider the case en banc, meaning all the judges on the court will participate. The hearing is scheduled for October 22nd in Atlanta.
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The NRA argues that the Florida law violates the Second Amendment and is inconsistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. They cite the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which emphasized the importance of historical context in evaluating gun laws.
Florida, however, contends that the law aligns with historical practices and is constitutional. They argue that at the time of the nation’s founding, individuals under 21 were often considered too young to enter into contracts, which were necessary for firearm purchases in early America.
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This case highlights the ongoing debate over gun control in the wake of mass shootings.
While the Florida House has recently attempted to lower the minimum age to purchase long guns, the Senate has not followed suit, leaving the 2018 law in effect for now. The outcome of this appeal could significantly impact gun regulations in Florida and beyond.
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