""The prohibition is general. No clause in the Constitution could by any rule of construction be conceived to give to Congress a power to disarm the people. Such a flagitious attempt could only be made under some general pretense by a state legislature. But if in any blind pursuit of inordinate power, either should attempt it, this amendment may be appealed to as a restraint on both.""
— William Rawle
William Rawle, A View of the Constitution 125-6 (2nd ed. 1829)
Historical Significance
Early constitutional law expert's interpretation of federal disarmament prohibition
Context
Legal treatise establishing judicial precedent for Second Amendment scope
Context
Legal treatise establishing judicial precedent for Second Amendment scope
Historical Significance
Early constitutional law expert’s interpretation of federal disarmament prohibition