A Lycoming County judge has declared unconstitutional a section of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act that restricts individuals aged 18 to 20 from carrying concealed weapons. Judge William P. Carlucci’s ruling follows a 2-1 decision by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed that the Second Amendment right to possess firearms extends to all individuals aged 18 and older. This legal development raises significant questions about the compatibility of state law with federal rulings regarding gun rights.
The case originated when Jamair S. Lewis, a 19-year-old, was charged with possession of a firearm without a license. The judge noted the inconsistency in charging Lewis, as state law prevents him from applying for a concealed carry permit. This ruling could have broader implications for gun rights in Pennsylvania, especially as the Third Circuit’s opinion argued that current restrictions fail to meet historical standards for firearm regulation. The state attorney general’s office has been given 60 days to respond, hinting at a potential legal challenge.
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