Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Reaper (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Brett Kavanaugh & Gun Rights: What You Need to Know

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.



Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh listens during the first day of his confirmation hearing in front of the US Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, on September 4, 2018.

Brett Kavanaugh has been a staunch supporter of second amendment rights during his time as a federal judge. The issue of gun rights was expected to be a major topic during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Here’s what you need to know.


Kavanaugh Has Warned That Gun Regulations Are Just as Dangerous as Prohibiting Certain Types of Speech

 

US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh arrives on the first day of his confirmation hearing in front of the US Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, on September 4, 2018. –

Judge Kavanaugh argues that the Constitution permits American civilians the right to own semi-automatic weapons. He defended that argument in a 2011 dissenting opinion while on the D.C. Circuit Court. The case was Heller v. District of Columbia.

 

In 2008, the Supreme Court had affirmed the right of citizens to keep weapons in their homes. Following that decision, the District approved the Firearms Registration Amendment Act of 2008. Gun owners were prohibited from registering assault rifles. The act also restricted the possession of magazines with a capacity of more than ten rounds of ammunition. The plaintiff, Dick Anthony Heller, argued these provisions violated the second amendment and took the issue to court.

The D.C. Circuit Court sided with the District of Columbia and upheld the ban on semi-automatic rifles. Kavanaugh disagreed with this decision. In his dissenting opinion, Kavanaugh wrote that the Second Amendment needs to be protected just as vigorously as free speech. He compared gun regulations to limits on free speech, and warned that any restrictions should be applied very narrowly. He wrote, “A ban on a class of arms is not an incidental regulation. It is equivalent to a ban on a category of speech.”


Kavanaugh Wrote in the 2011 Opinion That Gun Violence Should Not Factor Into a Judge’s Decision Concerning Gun Laws

 

Kavanaugh and Bash pictured together in July 2018.

In the 2011 dissenting opinion, Kavanaugh argued that there was “no basis in Heller for drawing a constitutional distinction between semi-automatic handguns and semi- automatic rifles.” His point was that semi-automatic handguns are used far more frequently than rifles in criminal activities. Therefore, Kavanaugh argues, the argument that banning semi-automatic rifles is a safety measure does not add up.

 

Kavanaugh wrapped up his dissent by stating that it is not the judicial system’s responsibility to consider public safety or policy when evaluating gun laws. Rather, a judge’s only job is to evaluate a case based on the Constitution.

The Supreme Court ultimately took up this case as well and agreed with Judge Kavanaugh. The higher court struck down the D.C. ordinance restricting semi-automatic weapons.

Read More From Heavy

Brett Kavanaugh & Immigration: What You Need to Know


Brett Kavanaugh’s Documented Stance on Gun Laws Earned Him the Full-Throated Support of the National Rifle Association

The National Rifle Association is pushing for the Senate to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. After President Trump announced Kavanaugh as his nominee, the NRA applauded the president for making “another outstanding choice.”

Executive director of the NRA Chris Cox issued a statement after the nomination. He wrote that “Judge Kavanaugh has demonstrated his clear belief that the Constitution should be applied as the Framers intended. To that end, he has supported the fundamental, individual right to self-defense embraced by Justice Scalia in the historic Heller decision.”

Cox also stated that the NRA would be “activating our members and tens of millions of supporters” to support Brett Kavanaugh amid the confirmation process.



Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!


Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST


Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!

HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.

Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.

MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)

Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser!  Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!

Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.

Smart Meter Cover -  Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).

Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.