Supreme Court Expected to Rule on D.C. v. Heller Case Shortly
Does the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution give individual citizens a right to “keep and bear arms”? If so, does that right override local regulations controlling firearms? These questions were presented to the Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court by the D.C. v. Heller case.
Heller, a security guard and District of Columbia resident, was prohibited from keeping a handgun in his home by the DC’s strict anti-handgun law. Heller challenged that law and his case went all the way to the Supreme Court. Oral arguments were heard on March 18. At that time it appeared that a thin majority of the Justices , including Chief Justice Roberts, favored the view that the Second Amendment applies to individuals, not just state militias.
The High Court is expected to issue its written decision on the case on Thursday, June 19, when it reconvenes. This is a landmark decision that may impact local gun laws throughout the nation. There was some hope that the Heller decision would be issued yesterday, June 16, but the High Court ruled on only two cases (not including Heller) during its Monday session, so we’re still waiting on the Heller outcome.
Stay tuned to this column and to Fox News or C-Span for updates on the case. We will link to the printed decision as soon as it becomes availalbe.
