In a blow to gun rights activists across the country, the Supreme Court announced Monday it's turning down the chance to review three anti-firearm measures.
Two of the denied cases were brought by the National Rifle Association. They concern a 1968 law banning sales of handguns to minors and a Texas law banning minors from concealed handgun permits. (Via SCOTUSblog)
The decision essentially means the Supreme Court would not challenge earlier rulings on the laws, both of which were recently upheld by lower courts. In its petitions, the NRA said it feared minors would "be relegated to 'second-class' status" when it comes to firearms.
And former U.S. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement, who filed one of the appeals, added, "It is unthinkable that a court would allow Congress to declare law-abiding individuals in the first years of their legal majority too 'irresponsible.'"
Before the decision, some pundits speculated the Supreme Court might take up the cases to review the lower courts’ rulings — rulings based almost solely on age. (Via Constitution Daily)
Looking at the stats, a 2013 report from the National Academy of Sciences showed that behaviors associated with adolescence are "positively correlated with increased risk for firearm violence."
In an opinion piece, the editors at Bloomberg praised the high court's decision, saying, "The reasons to restrict handgun ownership for people under 21 are as obvious as they are sensible."
And even many Texans were against the challenge to the state's conceal-and-carry law.
"There is no need or reason for 18- to 20-year-olds running around with handguns and bad attitudes." (Via KVUE)
Announced without comment, the court's denial is its latest punting on the gun rights debate. The last time the Supreme Court ruled on gun rights was in 2008 when it struck down a D.C. measure banning handguns from the home. (Via Cornell University)
