Minnesota Supreme Court Legalizes Unserialized ‘Ghost Guns’ Possession

Minnesota Supreme Court Rules on Ghost Gun Regulations

Published: October 26, 2023

The Minnesota Supreme Court Has Issued A Landmark Ruling Regarding The Legality Of “Ghost Guns.” The Decision, Reached After A Lengthy 14-Month Deliberation, Offers Clarity To Gun Owners and Raises Concerns For Law Enforcement Officials.

Erikson Expressed Relief Following The Court’s Opinion. He Said He Read It with A “Big Sigh Of Relief.”

What Does The Ruling Mean?

The Court’s Decision Essentially Affirms That Individuals Who Assemble Firearms from Kits, Without Serial Numbers, Are Not Automatically Committing A Crime.This ruling Provides Vindication For Law-Abiding Gun owners Who Believe They Were Unjustly Targeted By Existing Regulations.

“It’s Vindication For A Lot Of People Who Are Not criminals And Not Using These Guns In An Improper Way,” Erickson Stated. “they Didn’t Believe They Were Committing A Crime.”

Attorney General’s Response

Attorney General Keith Ellison Has Voiced Concerns About the Court’s Opinion. He Emphasized The Growing Problem Of Ghost Guns And Their Potential For Criminal misuse.

“Ghost Guns, By Definition, Circumvent Manny Of The Protections in Place To Ensure Firearms Are Only Put Into The Hands Of Qualified Buyers, Allowing Them To more Easily Be Used For Criminal Acts And To Be Trafficked,” Ellison Said In A Statement. He Urged State Leaders To Collaborate On legislation to Ban Ghost Guns and Enhance Public Safety.

Broader Implications

The Court’s Opinion Also Acknowledged That the Issue Of Missing Serial Numbers Extends Beyond Ghost Guns. Firearms Manufactured Before 1968 Were Not Required To Have Serial Numbers, Creating A Similar Regulatory Challenge.

Requests For Comment From The Anoka County Attorney’s Office Were Not Instantly Returned.

Understanding ghost Guns

Ghost Guns Are Firearms That Are Assembled From Kits Or Parts, Frequently enough Purchased Online.Because They Lack Serial Numbers, They are Difficult To Trace And Can Be Acquired By Individuals Prohibited From Owning Firearms.

The Debate Surrounding Ghost Guns Centers On Balancing The Rights Of Law-Abiding Gun Owners With The Need To Prevent Firearms From Falling Into The Wrong Hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a ghost gun? A Ghost Gun is a firearm that is assembled from a kit and lacks a serial number.
• Does this ruling legalize ghost guns? No, The Ruling Clarifies That Assembling A Firearm Without A serial Number Is Not automatically Illegal.
• What is the Attorney General’s position? attorney General Keith Ellison Is Concerned About The Spread Of Ghost Guns And advocates For A Ban.

Disclaimer: This Article Provides Information About A Legal Ruling And Should Not Be Considered Legal Advice. Consult With A Qualified Attorney For Guidance On Specific Legal Matters.

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Does the Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision explicitly legalize the manufacture and sale of unserialized firearms, or only their possession?

What the Ruling Means for Minnesota Gun Owners

On August 7, 2025, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a landmark decision legalizing the possession of unserialized firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns,” within the state. This ruling considerably impacts Minnesota’s gun laws and raises questions about future regulations surrounding privately made firearms. The decision stems from a challenge to a 2023 state law that effectively banned the possession of such weapons. this article breaks down the ruling, its implications, and what Minnesota residents need to know.

Understanding the Core of the decision

The court‘s 5-2 decision centered on the interpretation of Minnesota’s existing firearms statutes.The majority opinion argued that the state law prohibiting the possession of firearms lacking serial numbers did not explicitly criminalize possession of such weapons, only their manufacture and sale without proper licensing.

here’s a breakdown of the key arguments:

Statutory Interpretation: The court focused on the precise language of the law, finding ambiguity regarding possession.

Second Amendment Considerations: While not the central argument, the ruling acknowledged the Second amendment rights of individuals to own firearms for lawful purposes.

Legislative Intent: the court found insufficient evidence to demonstrate a clear legislative intent to prohibit possession of unserialized firearms.

What are ‘Ghost Guns’ and Why the Controversy?

“Ghost guns” are firearms that are assembled from kits or individual parts, frequently enough purchased online. These kits typically do not include serial numbers, making them tough to trace. This lack of traceability has fueled concerns about their potential use in criminal activity.

Key characteristics of ghost guns include:

No Serial Number: The defining feature,hindering law enforcement tracking.

Easy Accessibility: Kits and parts are readily available for purchase,sometimes with minimal background checks.

DIY assembly: Individuals can assemble these firearms at home without a federal firearms license (FFL).

Untraceable: Without a serial number, tracing the firearm back to its original owner is extremely difficult.

Impact on Existing Minnesota Gun Laws

This ruling doesn’t invalidate all gun control measures in Minnesota. Existing laws regarding prohibited persons (felons, those with domestic violence restraining orders, etc.) still apply. However, it does create a significant loophole regarding unserialized firearms.

Specifically, the ruling affects:

the 2023 Ban: The previous law attempting to ban possession of ghost guns is now unenforceable.

Background Checks: While purchasing parts may require a background check depending on the vendor and specific components, assembling a complete firearm doesn’t necessarily trigger one.

Traceability: Law enforcement will face increased challenges in tracing firearms used in crimes if they lack serial numbers.

Federal Regulations and Minnesota’s Response

The federal government has been attempting to regulate ghost guns thru various measures. The Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco, firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued rules classifying certain components as firearms, requiring them to be serialized and sold through licensed dealers.

Minnesota lawmakers are expected to respond to the Supreme Court ruling. Potential actions include:

1. Legislative Amendments: Drafting new legislation to explicitly prohibit the possession of unserialized firearms.
2. Clarifying Existing Laws: Attempting to clarify existing statutes to address the court’s concerns about ambiguity.
3. Increased Enforcement: Focusing on prosecuting individuals who use ghost guns in criminal activity.

Legal Implications for Gun Owners

Minnesota gun owners now have the legal right to possess unserialized firearms. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and responsibilities:

Federal Law Compliance: Ensure compliance with all federal regulations regarding firearm ownership and use.

Safe Storage: Practice safe firearm storage to prevent unauthorized access.

Potential Future Regulations: Be aware that the legal landscape surrounding ghost guns is constantly evolving.

Liability: Gun owners are responsible for the lawful use of their firearms,nonetheless of whether they are serialized or not.

Resources for Minnesota Gun Owners

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): https://bca.mn.gov/

ATF Website: https://www.atf.gov/

Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus: (Search online for their official website) – Provides updates on gun legislation and advocacy.

Local Firearms Attorneys: Consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

Case Studies & Real-World Examples

While specific cases directly related to this ruling are still developing, the broader issue of ghost guns has been highlighted in several criminal investigations across the US. Such as,in California,law enforcement has reported an increase in the recovery of ghost guns at crime scenes,frequently enough linked to gang activity. These instances underscore the concerns about untraceable firearms falling into the wrong hands.The Minnesota ruling is highly likely to be closely watched by other states grappling with similar legal challenges regarding ghost guns.

Practical Tips for Responsible Gun Ownership

Secure Storage: Always store firearms unloaded and locked in a secure location.

Safety Training: Participate in firearm safety courses to