Timeline for 2nd Amendment
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Scott v. Sanford (1857)
o Mentions in passing the perceived absurdity of African-Americans as citizens, as
this would give them 2nd Amendment rights
U.S. v. Cruikshank (1876)
o Held that the 2nd Amendment only applied to the federal government, not states or
private actors (extremely significant to 14th Amendment jurisprudence and
incorporation)
Presser v. Illinois (1886)
o States can forbid private armies. Hilariously overturned by McDonald.
U.S. v. Miller (1939)
o Interprets the 2nd Amendment as a collective right, in the context of the
maintenance of a militia, and upheld a national gun control act in the process.
D.C. v. Heller (2008)
o Established the 2nd Amendment right to own a firearm as a personal right.
McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
o Incorporated the 2nd Amendment against the states, and protected the individual
right to own a firearm within one’s home.