The Georgia Supreme Court has upheld a state law prohibiting individuals under the age of 21 from carrying handguns in public. This decision follows a lawsuit from 20-year-old Thomas Stephens, who argued that the law infringes on his constitutional rights. However, the court highlighted that while the Georgia Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, it also allows the legislature to regulate how they are carried.
This ruling occurs in the context of increasing gun control discussions spurred by recent violence, including a school shooting in September that claimed the lives of two teachers and two students. Notably, Georgia’s law still permits those aged 18 to 20 to possess handguns in specific situations, such as on private property or for certain activities like hunting. The court’s decision underscores ongoing tensions in balancing gun rights and public safety, revealing the complexity of legislative measures in the wake of mass shootings.
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