How A Kid Bringing a Gun to School Led to the Federal Government Losing Power | U.S. v. Lopez

In 1992, Alfonso Lopez Jr. brought a gun to school, leading to legal challenges under the Gun Free School Zones Act. Initially charged under Texas law, the charges were dropped in favor of federal charges. The US District Court upheld the federal law, citing the Commerce Clause. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed this decision, and the case went to the Supreme Court. In 1995, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Lopez, declaring the Gun Free School Zones Act unconstitutional as it exceeded Congress's powers under the Commerce Clause. This decision marked a shift towards strengthening state powers and limiting federal authority.

What new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?