What does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically addresses the issue of firearms and the rights of individuals to possess and use weapons. It states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This provision emphasizes the importance of having a well-regulated militia for security and guarantees individuals the right to own and carry weapons.

This connection to self-defense, hunting, and maintenance of a militia has led to extensive legal interpretation and debate regarding the scope and limitations of this right. The emphasis on "keep and bear arms" makes it clear that this amendment is primarily concerned with the individual's right to own firearms, distinguishing it from other rights protected under the Constitution, such as those associated with freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, or the right to privacy.