Univ of VA Student Files Lawsuit Challenging Handgun Purchase Law

[Jake in TX]

There is no age requirement listed in the Constitution for any of the Bill of Rights. Only the 26th Amendment states an age. Why should the 2nd Amendment not apply to people under the age of 18? Do we allow the government to search and seize property of a 14 yr old without a warrant? Can an 11 yr old be sentenced with a cruel and unusual punishment? Is a 5 yr old not allowed to practice the religion of his or her choice? Is it ok to enslave people as long as they are under 18? Is an 8 yr old unable to send a petition to the President? If all the other Rights apply to minors, firearms ownership should as well.

The 14th Amendment originally set the voting age to 21, in the second section. Per Wikipedia:

"Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State." (Emphasis added)

 

[Telekinesis]

There is no age requirement listed in the Constitution for any of the Bill of Rights.

Do we allow the government to search and seize property of a 14 yr old without a warrant?

I agree with you in principle, but it's a loosing battle to try to get full and complete rights for people under the age of majority. As to your example above, students who have not graduated high school routinely have their personal belongings searched by teachers or other representatives of the school (and sometimes police officers) - the legal basis (if I recall) is that the teachers/administrators are acting in loco parentis and as such do not require warrants.

As we can see by this thread, we can't even agree that all ADULTS should have the same rights as others. I think we should work on that one first.

 

[paulsj]

The 14th Amendment originally set the voting age to 21, in the second section. Per Wikipedia:

"Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State." (Emphasis added)

Given that now people have less good sense then when they didn't know about bacteria and there were no antibiotics perhaps legal age of adulthood should be raised to 21.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Given that now people have less good sense

If "good sense" is the criteria for adulthood the legal age should be 45 or 50.

 

[jar]

You're right of course, I'm sure some will and do.
Using that argument, there are and always will be many people that never reach the level of maturity needed to vote, drive, or own firearms.
I hope this case goes to SCOTUS

Or be a parent.

But somethings it seems are not subject to legal sanctions.

 

[Jim Watson]

I've read of big inheritances being held in trust until age 25 or 26. Tycoons don't want young heirs squandering the family fortune.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I've read of big inheritances being held in trust until age 25 or 26. Tycoons don't want young heirs squandering the family fortune.

I know of a very wealthy man that passed 20+ years ago. One of the stipulations in his will concerning the property left was that his grandchildren's grandchildren would be the first that could sell any of it. His heirs have all been successful.

 

[Texas10mm]

I am sure we could come up with all sorts of indicators of maturity. Unfortunately the Liberal lawyers would not allow them to be applied. Got to have a number. I think 21 is and was fine, I don't really object to 18, just the argument "old enough to join the army." How about a consistent age of adulthood. How come you have to be 21 to buy a pistol, 18 to vote, 17 to see an R rated movie, 16 to drive? Make it 18 for everything.



About as well as it does for any other age group.


I don't recall commenting on video game addiction, although I think it a waste of time better spent on the shooting range. Your son measures up to my standards... now.

I got my driver's license at 14. It was a daylight only license.

 

[cheygriz]

Why is it that a 20 year old, with 3 years service, and 3 stripes on his sleeve, cannot buy a shot of whiskey at the EM club, but the 21 year old with 3 months service and one stripe can have any drink he wants???

 

[paulsj]

I agree with you in principle, but it's a loosing battle to try to get full and complete rights for people under the age of majority. As to your example above, students who have not graduated high school routinely have their personal belongings searched by teachers or other representatives of the school (and sometimes police officers) - the legal basis (if I recall) is that the teachers/administrators are acting in loco parentis and as such do not require warrants.
As we can see by this thread, we can't even agree that all ADULTS should have the same rights as others. I think we should work on that one first.

The fault for that lies with parents. Some kids bring weapons and drugs to school so in order to protect all such searches are needed.