Second Amendment Secures Some Right to Carry Loaded Firearms in Public Places

How expansive the Second Amendment is since the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Heller is likely to be debated for a significant period of time.  One notable recent decision is from Oregon where the court dealt with what right does an individual have to carry loaded firearms in a public place.  State v. Christian (Ore. Aug. 15, 2013):

[W]e conclude in the first instance that the ordinance [limited carrying] does, to some extent, burden protected conduct falling within the scope of the Second Amendment’s guarantee. [Footnote: … Although Heller did not define the scope of the right to self-defense outside the home, we read the opinion as recognizing a right to self-defense outside the home to a degree yet to be determined by the Court….]

The Oregon Court concluded that the ordinance in Christian did not restrict the right to bear arms too much, partly because Oregon is a shall-issue state and people remain free to carry if they get a concealed carry license.

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