Chief Justice Burger On The Second Amendment
Introduction
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. There has been much debate over the years about the meaning and scope of this amendment. In this article, we will explore the views of former Chief Justice Burger on the Second Amendment.
Who Was Chief Justice Burger?
Warren E. Burger served as the 15th Chief Justice of the United States from 1969 to 1986. He was appointed by President Richard Nixon and was known for his conservative views and strict interpretation of the Constitution.
Chief Justice Burger's Views on the Second Amendment
In 1990, Chief Justice Burger gave an interview with PBS in which he expressed his views on the Second Amendment. He stated that the Second Amendment "has been the subject of one of the greatest pieces of fraud, I repeat the word 'fraud,' on the American public by special interest groups that I have ever seen in my lifetime."
Chief Justice Burger believed that the Second Amendment was intended to ensure that the states could maintain a well-regulated militia. He argued that the amendment did not guarantee an individual's right to own firearms for personal use.
Response to Chief Justice Burger's Views
Chief Justice Burger's views on the Second Amendment have been controversial. Many gun rights advocates argue that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes.
However, others agree with Chief Justice Burger's interpretation of the amendment. They argue that the Second Amendment was intended to protect the rights of the states to maintain a well-regulated militia and that it does not guarantee an individual's right to own firearms for personal use.
The Supreme Court's Ruling on the Second Amendment
In 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a landmark ruling in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. The court held that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense in the home.
However, the court also made it clear that the right to bear arms is not unlimited. The government can still regulate firearms and prohibit certain types of weapons.
Conclusion
The debate over the Second Amendment continues to this day. While Chief Justice Burger's views on the amendment may be controversial, they have contributed to the ongoing discussion about the meaning and scope of this important constitutional provision.
