Handgun Mailing Ban Sparks Debate Over Second Amendment Rights
(KMDL-FM) You'd think something as simple as mailing a letter or a package wouldn't require much legislation, but evidently it does. Many rules and laws govern our postal system in America. One of those rules involving the shipment of handguns via the U.S. Mail is reportedly up for debate among the rule makers in Washington.
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You're probably aware that there is a list of items that are against the law to ship via the United States Mail unless you have proper credentials, licenses, or permissions. The shipment of handguns via the mail has always fallen into that realm. It is permissible for licensed dealers to ship guns via the mail service, but since 1927, that practice has been off-limits to regular citizens.
What Has Changed in Federal Gun Laws Regarding Mailing of Handguns?
That is a very good question. What exactly did change since 1927? Well, nothing as far as the law is concerned. However, what appears to be changing is how the law is interpreted. Many now believe, based on current gun laws, concealed carry laws, and permitting laws, that denying the ability to send a handgun via the mail is a violation of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
A review of current statutes by the Department of Justice earlier this year hinted that the 1927 law likely violates the 2nd Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution. A memo by the DOJ suggested the department "may not, consistent with the Constitution, enforce (the law) with respect to constitutionally protected firearms".
Based on a notice in the Federal Register published last month, the United States Postal Service is seeking to end the band. The conditions being that only lawful handguns be mailed under the same terms as rifles and shotguns. All weapons, when packed for shipping, should be unloaded.
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It is our understanding that the rule change, should it come to fruition, would only allow for the shipment of legal handguns within state lines. Should a person want to ship the weapon across state lines, they would have to ship it to themselves in care of another individual and be there to open the package in person. Yeah, it's confusing.
But don't go too far down the rabbit hole right now, the United States Postal Service is still reviewing the public comments on the rule change proposal.
These Are Items That Are Prohibited or Restricted To Mail By USPS
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