Landmark Case Essay

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In the Landmark Case, District of Columbia V. Heller that took place in 2008, Dick Heller, whom is the petitioner of this case, was refused by the District of Columbia to register a handgun he wished to keep in his home. Heller filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court against the District of Columbia on the violations of rights of the Second Amendment. Heller’s argument stated that the Second Amendment provided an individual the right to keep and bear arms for a wide range of purposes beyond militia services. He claimed the right to possess a “functional firearm” that is accessible to be used when necessary for self-defense at home. The District of Columbia argued back that the Second Amendment only protects firearm rights that are closely tied to the service in a well-regulated state militia. The Supreme Court made a 5-4 decision in that the Second Amendment protects and individual’s right to possess firearms for self-defense purposes unconnected with service in a militia. The ruling struck down the District of Columbia ban on handgun possession and its law requiring that trigger locks be affixed to firearms in the home. I believe that an individual has the Constitutional right to bear arms, as long as the individual does not abuse the privilege of carrying a handgun. I would have ruled exactly the way the Supreme Court decided. It is my belief our constitutional rights are there to protect us and this case proved exactly why. A breach of these rights is unconstitutional and immoral, these rights were here long before any of the judges were sworn in; they’re here to be followed and exercised appropriately, not to be challenged and “loop-holed”. I believe the Supreme Court made the right

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