Judge upholds Connecticut's handgun limits for adults under 21

A federal judge has upheld Connecticut's ban on pistol permits for adults aged 18 to 20, along with the federal ban on dealers selling them handguns. Jared Yanis argues the ruling sidesteps the founding-era history Bruen requires, and sets up a split with the Fifth Circuit.

The short version

The Second Amendment Foundation, the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and two 19-year-old residents challenged both the state permit ban and the federal FFL handgun age limit. After a two-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Sarala Nagala ruled almost entirely for Connecticut and the federal government. One plaintiff was dismissed for lack of standing because he hadn't completed the state's required training.

Yanis says the judge agreed the Second Amendment's text covers the conduct, which puts the burden on the government, but then relied on historical limits on minors and Reconstruction-era handgun rules. He points instead to the 1792 Militia Act, which required men from 18 to 45 to enroll and bring their own musket, ammunition and gear. Plaintiffs' attorneys said they are weighing all options, including appeal.

Key points

• The ruling: Upholds Connecticut's under-21 pistol permit ban and the federal under-21 dealer handgun sale ban.
• Standing: One plaintiff lacked standing over training; the other, fully eligible but for age, had standing.
• History used: The court leaned on limits on minors' legal autonomy and later Reconstruction-era laws.
• Militia Act: Yanis argues the 1792 law shows the founders expected 18-year-olds to own arms.
• Circuit split: A Fifth Circuit panel struck down the same federal dealer restriction, and DOJ didn't seek Supreme Court review.

Bottom line

For now, 18-to-20-year-olds in Connecticut remain barred from pistol permits. With federal courts disagreeing on the federal sales ban, the issue is a strong candidate for Supreme Court review.

Source: Jared Yanis