Delaware’s Under-21 Gun Restrictions Violate State Constitution

Aug. 29, 2025, 7:28 PM UTC

A Delaware law prohibiting individuals under 21 from owning handguns and other firearms violates the state’s Constitution, a federal judge ruled Friday.

The state failed to show the law doesn’t restrict the right to self-defense “more than is reasonably necessary,” Judge Reneta L. Green-Streett of the Delaware Superior Court wrote.

Courts across the US have reached mixed conclusions in challenges to similar state and federal laws barring 18-to-20-year-olds from possessing guns.

Delaware in 2022 passed HB 451, which barred individuals under 21-years-old from purchasing or owning firearms, including handguns. The law provides exceptions for members of the military and ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Law or Log In to keep reading:

Learn About Bloomberg Law

AI-powered legal analytics, workflow tools and premium legal & business news.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools.