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Liberal Scholars Embrace Gun Ownership

Much to their own uncomfortable surprise

By NewsDude , Newser Staff

Posted May 6, 2007 10:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – When a federal appeals court ruled against a District of Columbia gun control law in March, it was the first time an appellate court had used the Second Amendment to restrict gun contol legislation. And it was, even more surprisingly, the result of work by a group of liberal scholars.

Until recently there was a concensus among jurists and scholars that the right to bear arms was a collective right arising from the necessity for a “well ordered militia.” But these liberal scholars have begun supporting gun ownership as an individual right, as an extension of their support for other individual rights, such as free speech. “My conclusion came as something of a surprise to me, and an unwelcome surprise,” said liberal Harvard professor Laurence Tribe.

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Liberal Scholars Embrace Gun Ownership

Much to their own uncomfortable surprise

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Liberal Scholars Embrace Gun Ownership

Much to their own uncomfortable surprise

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Bill of Rights • gun control • Federal Court • Second Amendment • Washington, DC

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Gun Ruling a Sea Change for 2nd Amendment

Supreme Court's 5-4 decision "takes certain policy choices off the table"

DC's Handgun Ban Heads to Supreme Court

Justices get unprecedented crack at Second Amendment

Supreme Court Rejects Gun Control Case

Man convicted for carrying gun without permit

It's Time to Come Together on Gun Control

Obama has faith the American people can find common ground

Mexican Drug War Being Fought With American Guns

75% of tested cartel guns come from border states

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Newser By Users

Community

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