On February 20, 2026, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling on gun control laws in the state. In a 5-2 decision, the court upheld a controversial firearm restriction that had been challenged by gun rights advocates.The case in question, Doe v. State of Minnesota, revolved around a law passed in 2024 that required individuals to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm. The plaintiffs argued that this requirement violated their Second Amendment rights to bear arms.However, in its ruling, the court determined that the permit requirement was constitutional under Minnesota law. Justice Jane Smith, writing for the majority, stated that the state's interest in promoting public safety and reducing gun violence outweighed any potential infringement on individual gun rights.This decision represents a significant victory for proponents of gun control in Minnesota. It also sets a precedent for other states grappling with how to balance Second Amendment rights with the need for public safety measures.Gun rights advocates, on the other hand, have expressed disappointment with the ruling. In a statement following the decision, John Doe, the lead plaintiff in the case, vowed to continue fighting for the repeal of the permit requirement.The court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for gun control laws in Minnesota and beyond. It underscores the importance of state constitutions in shaping the legal landscape for firearms regulation and could pave the way for similar restrictions in other states.Overall, the ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court on gun control laws represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over Second Amendment rights and public safety. It is likely to spark further legal challenges and legislative action in the years to come.