Mr. Calella
Introduction to Law
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“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.”
Does the 2nd Amendment refer to persons or
militias? What was the Founders’ intent?
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What type of “Arms” is covered by the 2nd
Amendment?
U.S. v. Miller (1939)-sawed off shot-gun was
not one of the “Arms” the Founding Fathers
had in mind
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Starting in 1960s, stricter gun control laws
passed in reaction to tragic events
 1968 federal gun-control law passed in response
to assassinations of RFK and MLK
▪ No convicted felons, minors, illegal aliens
▪ Serial numbers on all guns
 1994 Brady Law passed in reaction to Reagan’s
assassination attempt (background check-5day
wait)
▪ USSC declared unconstitutional in 1997
▪ States now have own strict laws (e.g. Plaxico case)
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280 million firearms in private hands in US
30 % of US homes have a gun in it
In 2007, 30,000+ Americans died from gun
violence (85 deaths a day)
Firearm homicide is the leading cause of
death for African Americans ages 1-44
Firearm-related deaths and injuries result in
estimated medical costs of $2.3 billion each
year – half of which are borne by U.S.
taxpayers.
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Times have changed since 1700s
Do we still need militias? Do we still primarily
hunt for our food?
Harms outweigh the benefits
 What are the harms? Benefits?
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Founders intended the 2nd Amendment to
apply to militias not individuals
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NRA (National Rifle Association)
Restrictions infringe upon Americans’ 2nd
Amendment rights
Law-biding citizens obtain their guns legally
whereas criminals obtain them on the “black
market”
Founders intended the 2nd Amendment to
apply to individuals
THINK-PAIR-SHARE
1. Which is a better way to reduce crime?
More gun control or less gun control? Give
your reasons.
2. What restrictions, if any, should the
government place on the manufacture of
firearms? The sale of firearms? The
possession of firearms? Explain.
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What is the purpose of the Supreme Court?
D.C. v. Heller (2009)-D.C. banning hand guns
and requiring rifles, shotguns, and other guns
that can be kept in homes must be
disassembled was held to be unconstitutional
Reading and Questions Activity