How Has the Second Amendment Been Interpreted?

For much of American history, the Supreme Court had very little to say about the Second Amendment until 2008 when the Court heard arguments in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. Richard Heller challenged the city's total ban on handguns on Second Amendment grounds. The Court agreed with Heller finding the ban unconstitutional.

Objectives

• Students will examine the text and history of the Second Amendment.
• Students will understand the Supreme Court’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).
• Students will evaluate arguments for and against the constitutionality of selected gun control provisions.
• Students will assess the constitutionality of the District of Columbia’s gun law at issue in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).

Student Handouts

• Handout A: Background Essay – How Has the Second Amendment Been Interpreted?
• Handout B: A Total Ban on Handguns?
• Handout C: District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

Teacher Resources

• How Has the Second Amendment Been Interpreted? Answer Key