Breaking News: Maryland's Handgun Licensing Requirements Upheld by U.S. Appeals Court Despite Supreme Court's Expansion of Gun Rights
In a landmark decision, the Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 14-2 to uphold Maryland's licensing requirements for handgun buyers. This ruling comes after a 2-1 panel decision last year found the law unconstitutional, but the full circuit court reversed that decision.
The law, part of Maryland's Firearm Safety Act of 2013, mandates that residents must obtain a license, undergo training, submit fingerprints for a background check, and complete a safety training course before purchasing a handgun. This law was enacted in response to the tragic 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The court's decision was based on the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling, which stated that modern gun laws must align with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation to be constitutional. Despite delays in the permitting process, the court found that Maryland's shall-issue licensing regime is presumptively constitutional as it ensures that gun buyers are law-abiding citizens.
The National Rifle Association, which supported the lawsuit challenging the law, has not yet commented on the decision.
Analysis: This ruling confirms that Maryland's handgun licensing requirements are valid, despite previous challenges. For residents, this means that they must continue to comply with the state's stringent regulations when purchasing a handgun. This decision also highlights the ongoing debate between gun control advocates and gun rights supporters, emphasizing the importance of balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns.