A Missouri law that declared federal gun laws to be ‘invalid’ has been struck down by a U.S. appeals court. The court ruled that the state’s attempt to nullify federal gun laws was unconstitutional and a violation of the Supremacy Clause. The law in question, known as the ‘Second Amendment Preservation Act,’ was passed in 2014 and sought to prohibit state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal gun laws.
The court’s decision came after a legal challenge was brought by several law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas City Police Department. The agencies argued that the Missouri law was creating confusion and hindering their ability to effectively enforce gun laws. The court agreed, stating that the law could not stand as it interfered with the federal government’s authority to regulate firearms.
Supporters of the law argued that it was necessary to protect the Second Amendment rights of Missouri residents and to push back against what they saw as federal overreach. However, opponents contended that the law was an unconstitutional attempt to nullify federal laws and undermine the authority of the federal government.
The ruling is seen as a victory for gun control advocates and supporters of federal authority. It reinforces the principle that federal law takes precedence over state law and that states cannot simply declare federal laws ‘invalid.’ The decision is likely to have implications beyond Missouri, as other states have also passed laws attempting to nullify federal gun regulations.
In response to the ruling, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office has stated that they are reviewing the decision and considering their next steps. It remains to be seen whether the state will appeal the ruling or take further action to challenge federal gun laws.
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