Wolford v. Lopez · ¶20

We also identified the Amendment’s “central” concern: securing the fundamental right of self-defense. Id., at 577, 581, 599, 628, 635. In late 18th century America, the need for firearms for self-defense was acute. There were no police forces, and most Americans lived in rural areas, often in homes located miles from the closest neighbor. If these homes were attacked, the residents were on their own, and their survival might well depend on the availability of a firearm to ward off assailants. In light of this reality, it is not surprising that the right to keep and bear arms was included among the other treasured liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.

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