Table of Contents
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. Understanding its legal basics helps clarify what this right entails and how it is applied in law today.
Text of the Second Amendment
The Second Amendment states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This wording has been the basis for legal debates about the scope of gun rights in the U.S.
Legal Interpretations
Courts have interpreted the Second Amendment in different ways. The Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed that individuals have a constitutional right to possess firearms for lawful purposes, such as self-defense. However, this right is subject to regulation.
Limitations and Regulations
Federal and state laws regulate firearm ownership and use. Common restrictions include:
- Prohibiting firearm possession by convicted felons
- Restricting certain types of weapons
- Requiring background checks for buyers
- Limiting carrying firearms in specific locations
These regulations aim to balance individual rights with public safety concerns.