The decision says every individual has a right to bear arms. But most interesting, like the decision, also says, of course, we need gun control. Some states are lenient, some are superstrict. And both approaches seem to comply with heller. In a way. The heller decision is just like all those commas and clauses that we started with in james madison's sentence. It's this confusing declaration that leaves the door wide en for interpretation, which obviously sucks. We could use a little more clarity on how to live with this second amendment right to bear Arms. That door being open, it gives us an opportunity, i think, wat opportunity to get it right
It wasn’t until 2008 that the US Supreme Court established what a confusing sentence in the Constitution really meant for gun ownership.
Sean Rameswaram reported on District of Columbia v. Heller for Radiolab’s More Perfect.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices