HUGE NEW 2A WIN TODAY in Gun/Ammo Tax Case!

Published on February 20, 2024
Duration: 12:07

This video details a significant legal victory for Second Amendment rights, where the Illinois Appellate Court ruled against a Cook County tax on firearms and ammunition. Host Mark W. Smith, a constitutional attorney, explains how the court's reliance on historical definitions of 'infringe' was crucial in determining the tax was an unconstitutional hindrance on a fundamental right. The decision sets a precedent against targeted taxation of constitutional rights.

Quick Summary

The Illinois Appellate Court ruled in Vandermyde v. Cook County that a tax on firearms and ammunition is an unconstitutional infringement on Second Amendment rights. The court adopted a historical definition of 'infringe' from Samuel Johnson's dictionary, meaning 'to hinder or destroy,' and distinguished the tax from a service fee.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Major Second Amendment Legal Victory
  2. 00:41Speaker Intro and Case Background
  3. 02:16Defining 'Infringe' in the Constitution
  4. 04:35Lexicographical Influence on Legal Rulings
  5. 07:25Tax vs. Fee Distinction
  6. 10:01Legal Precedents and Future Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the outcome of the Vandermyde v. Cook County case regarding gun and ammo taxes?

The Illinois Appellate Court ruled in favor of the Second Amendment challenge, reversing a lower court's dismissal. The court found that the Cook County tax on firearms and ammunition constituted an infringement on constitutional rights.

How did historical dictionaries influence the court's decision in the gun tax case?

The court relied on Samuel Johnson's 1755 Dictionary definition of 'infringe' as 'to hinder or to destroy'. This historical definition was crucial in determining that the tax was an unconstitutional hindrance on the right to acquire firearms and ammunition.

What is the difference between a tax and a fee in a legal context?

A fee is typically charged to cover the cost of a specific service provided, such as park maintenance. A tax, conversely, is imposed to generate general revenue for the government and cannot be targeted at the exercise of constitutional rights.

Who is Mark W. Smith and what is his relevance to this case?

Mark W. Smith is a constitutional attorney and a member of the US Supreme Court Bar. He authored books like 'Disarmed' and provided expert analysis on the Vandermyde v. Cook County case, highlighting its significance for Second Amendment rights.

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