Federal Court Strikes Down Maryland Handgun Qualification License Law

A federal appeals court has ruled that a Maryland law requiring residents to obtain a handgun qualification license before purchasing or receiving a firearm is unconstitutional. The law, part of the state's Firearm Safety Act of 2013, was found to violate the Second Amendment. The ruling, in a split 2-1 decision, stated that the law's requirement for a license infringed on law-abiding Marylanders' right to self-defense. The state has two weeks to request a review of the decision by the entire 14-judge 4th Circuit or may appeal to the Supreme Court. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary for public safety, while opponents view it as an infringement on constitutional rights.