Supreme Court strikes down DC gun law.

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In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled today to negate the long standing gun ban in Washington, DC. The Justices split down the Conservative / Liberal line.

This is the first time in the history of the Supreme Court that it has affirmed an individual’s right to bear arms, as secured by the 2nd Amendment.

The contested law, that has been in use for 32 years, restricts the possession of handguns and enforces strict rules regarding the storage and us of rifles and shotguns.

Justice Antonin Scalia, writing the opinion for the majority, in their interpretation of the the Second Amendment (which reads: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”) stated that the US Constitution protects the right to own firearms, individually, and not just in connection to the maintenance and service in a state militia. He went on to say that this ruling is not a carte blanche for gun ownership, and that the government (and states) could impose restrictions against convicted criminals and the mentally ill.

Senator John McCain took the opportunity to commend the Court’s decision and to slam Barack Obama for statements Obama made, while campaigning in Pennsylvania this spring, about working class Americans and guns:

“Unlike the elitist view that believes Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, today’s ruling recognizes that gun ownership is a fundamental right — sacred, just as the right to free speech and assembly.”