The Constitution and the Right to Bear Arms: Legal Battles
The Constitution and the Right to Bear Arms: Legal Battles The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” has been a subject of intense debate and legal battles for centuries. This article delves into the historical and contemporary legal controversies surrounding the right to bear arms, exploring key Supreme Court cases, interpretations, and the ongoing struggle to balance individual rights with public safety. Historical Context The Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, reflecting the framers’ concerns about the potential for a tyrannical government and the need for a well-regulated militia. This historical context shapes the modern interpretation of the amendment. The Individual vs. Collective Right Debate A central question in Second Amendment debates is whether it guarantees an individual’s right to own firearms or a collective ri...