Delaware courts issue split rulings on firearm regulations

Delaware is facing diverging legal outcomes regarding firearm regulations following two significant court rulings.

A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, has struck down state bans on the possession of unserialized firearms, commonly known as ‘ghost guns,’ and the private manufacturing of firearms, ruling these provisions violate the Second Amendment. However, the judge upheld the state’s prohibition on the distribution of unfinished firearm frames or receivers and the ban on disseminating computer-aided design (CAD) files used for 3D printing gun parts.

In a separate matter, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled 4-1 to reinstate House Bill 451, which restricts the purchase and possession of most firearms to individuals aged 21 and older. This decision reverses a previous ruling by the Delaware Superior Court that had deemed the age limit unconstitutional. Attorney General Kathy Jennings stated the ruling is a victory for gun safety, aimed at reducing violence and accidents among young adults.