The Aporia
Richer, A. D. (2026, September 18). Ban on selling handguns to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional, Justice Department says. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/ban-on-selling-handguns-to-young-adults-under-21-is-unconstitutional-justice-department-says/article_d5bd48ef-abce-57eb-b67d-5636da42afb9.html
Richer, Alanna Durkin. “Ban on selling handguns to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional, Justice Department says.” Toronto Star, 18 Sept. 2026, https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/ban-on-selling-handguns-to-young-adults-under-21-is-unconstitutional-justice-department-says/article_d5bd48ef-abce-57eb-b67d-5636da42afb9.html.
Richer, Alanna Durkin. “Ban on selling handguns to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional, Justice Department says.” Toronto Star, September 18, 2026. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/ban-on-selling-handguns-to-young-adults-under-21-is-unconstitutional-justice-department-says/article_d5bd48ef-abce-57eb-b67d-5636da42afb9.html.
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On September 19, 2026, the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued a legal opinion stating that federal laws prohibiting licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to young adults aged 18-20 are unconstitutional due to Second Amendment violations. Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser concluded that these individuals should not face criminal penalties for purchasing such weapons as they are considered fully capable in other respects, including voting and serving on juries. The opinion does not repeal the statutes but directs the executive branch not to enforce them criminally, potentially signaling support for young adult plaintiffs seeking firearms access. This move aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to roll back firearm regulations.