The Second Amendment Reaches The Supreme Court

This video originally aired on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.

About This Video

In District of Columbia v. Heller, Walter Dellinger, attorney for the District of Columbia, and Alan Gura, attorney for Dick Heller, present their arguments to the Supreme Court on the Constitutionality of Washington D.C.’s handgun ban.

Discussion Questions

  1. Read the Second Amendment and interpret its meaning. What is the background and legal question in D.C. v. Heller? Why did the Supreme Court hear this case?
  2. How does Mr. Dellinger’s interpretation of the phrase “bear arms” serve as his main argument supporting Washington D.C.’s handgun ban?
  3. Summarize how Mr. Gura interprets both clauses of the Second Amendment. How does this differ from Mr. Dellinger’s view?
  4. When will the Supreme Court decide this case? Click here to hear the entire oral arguments.

Keywords

Amendments, JUDICIAL, U.S. Supreme Court

Related Subjects/Topics

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • Civil Liberties
  • U.S. Constitution

Speakers

  • Mr. Walter Dellinger
  • Mr. Alan Gura