[robertpaulsen]

"the debates surrounding congressional approval of the second amendment do contain references to individual self-protection"

The ones that I've seen refer to, "the right to bear arms for the protection of self and country" or some variation of that. But in the 18th century, to "bear arms" meant to carry them into battle -- so to protect self was to protect self in battle.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

Really, you have a link for that? The word “bear” in the 18th century to my knowledge meant to carry or hold and not much different from today’s application of the word.

[MileHi]

But in the 18th century, to "bear arms" meant to carry them into battle -- so to protect self was to protect self in battle.

Unbelievable.....

[Panzerlied]

How do you think a Supreme Court decision in this matter will affect the several state constitutions that appear to define the right to keep and bear arms as an individual right?