Skip to content
Third Way
Memo Published November 26, 2007 Updated November 26, 2007

The DC Gun Ban Case – Rights and Responsibilities

SUMMARY

In this memo, we provide a brief analysis of the implications of this case and some talking points about the Supreme Court’s review of the DC gun ban case.

Our position on the Second Amendment is that it confers an individual right to own firearms, but like all constitutional rights, it allows for reasonable restrictions. We caution progressives and other supporters of reasonable gun safety laws against overreacting to this case.

We believe it to be limited in scope and with few practical implications. We caution against calling the Supreme Court “extreme” or “out of touch” or “in the pocket of the NRA.” Instead, we suggest an approach that buttresses progressive support for both the Second Amendment (which was proclaimed in the 2004 Democratic Platform) as well as for reasonable gun laws.

To read this Memo, open the attached PDF

Share
Jim Kessler Executive Vice President for Policy Jim Kessler on X: ThirdWayKessler
Photo of Matt Bennett
Matt Bennett Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Matt Bennett on X: ThirdWayMattB

Latest Publications

Never Miss an Update

Sign up for updates on the pragmatic, center-left ideas shaping the future of American policy.

Donate

Related Topics