Iowa City, IA – A federal appeals court has upheld Iowa’s lifetime ban on firearm possession for individuals convicted of forcible felonies, ruling that the restriction does not violate the Second Amendment.
According to a release from the Johnson County Attorney’s Office on Monday, the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals determined the government met its burden to justify the restriction. The decision affirms an earlier ruling by U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose of the Southern District of Iowa.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Anthony Browne, who was convicted of a forcible felony in 1991. Under Iowa law, individuals with such convictions are barred from possessing firearms or applying for restoration of firearm rights unless they receive a gubernatorial pardon. Browne sued Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel, alleging the state’s prohibition infringed on his constitutional rights.
Judge Rose found that Iowa Code § 914.7, which imposes the firearm restriction, is consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation. She dismissed Browne’s claim, stating it failed to present a valid constitutional challenge. The 8th Circuit upheld that dismissal.
Assistant Johnson County Attorney Dave Van Compernolle represented the county in the case.
The ruling reinforces existing Iowa law, which prohibits those convicted of certain serious crimes from owning or obtaining firearms. Legal experts note the court’s decision aligns with recent interpretations that permit states to impose reasonable firearm restrictions on specific groups, particularly when backed by historical precedent.
The appellate court’s decision is publicly available on the Johnson County government website.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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