The United States District Court in the Northern Marianas has ruled that the US$1,000 excise tax on guns is unconstitutional
The Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona said several other provisions of the Special Act for Firearms and Enforcement Act were also unconstitutional.
The judge said the government need not arm the poor, but it cannot impose uncommon burdens on their ability to exercise their fundamental constitutional rights.
She deemed the $1,000 tax on pistols as one such uncommon burden.
Judge Manglona also declared as unconstitutional a provision that requires the registration of firearms and another provision that restricts the calibre of long guns.
