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Hawaii federal court upholds ban on firearm purchases for those under 21
A federal judge in Hawaii has upheld a state law that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing firearms and ammunition. United States District Judge Jill Aiko Otake granted a motion for summary judgment, ruling that the age restriction does not violate the Second Amendment.
In her decision, Judge Otake applied the legal standard established by the Supreme Court in New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which requires gun control laws to be consistent with the nation's regulatory traditions. The court found that the state met this burden by citing the infancy doctrine in early American common law, which restricted the ability of those under 21 to enter into binding contracts.
The judge also noted that late-19th century statutes, which responded to the increased lethality and portability of firearms during industrialization, established a tradition of restricting firearm access for minors. The Second Amendment Foundation, which brought the lawsuit on behalf of several individuals, expressed disappointment with the ruling.
Entities
Hawaii · Jill Aiko Otake · Second Amendment Foundation · U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Second Amendment Foundation expressed disappointment regarding the court's decision to uphold the law. thelibertydaily.com · dailycallernewsfoundation.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] A federal judge upheld Hawaii's law prohibiting individuals under 21 from purchasing firearms and ammunition. thelibertydaily.com · dailycallernewsfoundation.org · townhall.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The state argued that the infancy doctrine under early American common law barred individuals under 21 from executing binding contracts, such as firearm purchases. townhall.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court examined late-19th century statutes that restricted gun sales, gifts, and loans to minors in response to industrialization and deadlier handgun technologies. townhall.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ruling applied the Supreme Court’s standard from New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. townhall.com