Which amendment protects the right to bear arms?

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is designed to protect the individual right to keep and bear arms. Ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, this amendment states, "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." This language establishes a dual purpose: recognizing the role of a militia in state security while affirming the right of individuals to possess weapons.

This amendment has been the subject of much legal interpretation and debate regarding the scope of gun rights and regulations, leading to significant Supreme Court rulings that further clarify its application in contemporary society. Understanding this amendment is crucial for discussions surrounding gun rights and the legal frameworks governing firearm ownership in the United States.

The other amendments listed do not pertain to the right to bear arms. The First Amendment addresses freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition; the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; and the Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Each has its fundamental protections but is unrelated to the issue of firearm possession.