By TIFS Staff Report
Fort Smith, AR - September 1, 2024 - The U.S. government cannot ban people convicted of non-violent crimes from possessing guns based on a ruling by a Philadelphia federal court judge earlier in the year.
In a landmark decision, the court ruled in June individuals convicted of certain non-violent crimes cannot be barred from owning firearms. This ruling comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision last year that expanded gun rights nationwide.
The case centered around Bryan Range, a Pennsylvania man who was prohibited from owning a gun after pleading guilty to welfare fraud in 1995. Range argued that this prohibition violated his Second Amendment rights.
Federal law generally prohibits individuals convicted of crimes punishable by more than a year in prison from possessing firearms. This includes most felonies and some state misdemeanors2. However, the recent ruling highlights a significant shift in the interpretation of these laws, particularly for non-violent offenders.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which enforces federal gun laws, has yet to comment on the ruling1. Legal experts suggest that this decision could pave the way for further challenges to existing gun control measures.
This ruling has sparked a debate among lawmakers, gun control advocates, and Second Amendment supporters. While some argue that it upholds constitutional rights, others express concern about the potential risks of allowing more individuals to possess firearms.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this decision will likely be felt across the nation, influencing future legislation and court rulings on gun ownership and control.
