June 28, 2010

Justices Extend Gun Owner Rights Nationwide

by Mark Sherman
The Associated Press

The Supreme Court held today that Americans have the right to own a gun for self-defense anywhere they live, advancing a recent trend by the John Roberts-led bench to embrace gun rights.

By a 5-4 vote, the justices cast doubt on handgun bans in the Chicago area, but signaled that some limitations on the Constitution's "right to keep and bear arms" could survive legal challenges.

Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the Court, said that the Second Amendment right "applies equally to the federal government and the states."

The Court was split along familiar ideological lines, with five conservative-moderate justices in favor of gun rights and four liberals opposed. Chief Justice Roberts voted with the majority.

Two years ago, the Court declared that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess guns, at least for purposes of self-defense in the home.

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