This week, scholars Josh Blackman and Michael Gerhardt will discuss on Twitter the constitutional aspects of issues arising at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Today, they look at the Second Amendment debate over the right to bear arms.
“While responsible gun ownership is part of the fabric of many communities, too many families in America have suffered from gun violence. We can respect the rights of responsible gun owners while keeping our communities safe,” the Democratic platform reads.Link: Read the Democratic Party Platform
“We will expand and strengthen background checks and close dangerous loopholes in our current laws; repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to revoke the dangerous legal immunity protections gun makers and sellers now enjoy; and keep weapons of war—such as assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines (LCAMs)—off our streets,” the platform says. It also outlines other measures proposed by the Obama administration.
But how do these policies compare with Republican initiatives, and with Heller and McDonald, two Supreme Court decisions on gun rights that are still being debated today?
To follow the discussion between our scholars on Twitter, go to our Twitter account at @ConstitutionCTR
