Cornell Law School: Individual Right To Bear Arms Originated In 2008

posted on May 29, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

“The Second Amendment has most recently been interpreted to grant the right of gun ownership to individuals for purposes that include self-defense.”—Cornell Law School webpage

Whoever wrote the preceding may need to hit the books a bit harder if they believe an individual right to bear arms is a “recent interpretation.” They could start with U.S. v. Emerson (2001): “We have found no historical evidence that the Second Amendment … applies only to members of a select militia … the Second Amendment applies to and protects individual Americans.” The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005), the Firearm Owners Protection Act (1986), the Property Requisition Act (1941) and the Freedmen’s Bureau Act (1866) likewise recognize individual Second Amendment rights. 

In fact, the individual right to self-defense being enumerated as law pre-dates our Bill of Rights by at least 100 years—meaning Cornell missed the mark by only about three centuries.

Latest

Start Hearing, SoundGear graphic
Start Hearing, SoundGear graphic

New NRA Partners For Hearing Health

Start Hearing and SoundGear, divisions of Starkey, have partnered with the NRA to promote hearing health among members.

Important Notice To Members: Exercise Your Rights, Assist In The Nomination Of Directors

The NRA Bylaws provide for the election of one-third of the members of the Board of Directors each year. This means that the terms of office of 25 Board members will expire at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members next year.

NRA Media’s New Executive Director

NRA Media is proud to introduce Mike Sanford as executive director of NRA Media.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms

5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political

The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is not a tool of one political party but rather is a right for all Americans, regardless of their background, income or voting history.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.