Printz v. United States

The case of Printz v. United States (1997) addressed the constitutionality of the federal government compelling state and local law enforcement officials to conduct background checks on firearm purchasers. The Supreme Court ruled that the federal government cannot force state officials to implement federal regulatory programs. This decision was based on the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. The ruling specifically struck down the provision of the Brady Law that required state and local law-enforcement officials to perform background checks during the waiting period for handgun purchases.123