The Right To Bear Arms
Every so often, I make it a point to research the various rulings pertaining to gun rights in court cases across the United States. I think everyone should do the same, but I recognize that not everyone has the time or know how to look these things up. Because of this, I have put up a few cases that I think are significant and a short description of how the ruling affects the gun rights crowd. If you find any of these interesting and would like to know more, just do a google search on the case name or leave a comment below requesting more information or a specific question and I will reply.
• Parker vs. D.C., Fed (2007), confirmed an individual right to keep arms and overturning a
handgun ban.
• U.S. vs. Emerson, 5 Fed (1999), confirmed an individual right requiring compelling
government interest for regulation.
• Nunn v. State, 1 Ga. 243, 250, 251 (1846) (struck down a ban on sale of small, easily
concealed handguns as violating Second Amendment).
• State v. Chandler, 5 La.An. 489, 490, 491 (1850) (upheld a ban on concealed carry, but
acknowledged that open carry was protected by Second Amendment).
• Smith v. State, 11 La.An. 633, 634 (1856) (upheld a ban on concealed carry, but
recognized as protected by Second Amendment “arms there spoken of are such as are borne
by a people in war, or at least carried openly”).
• State v. Jumel, 13 La.An. 399, 400 (1858) (upheld a ban on concealed carry, but
acknowledged a Second Amendment right to carry openly).
