Plain-English Explanation
The Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms. The Supreme Court has held this right belongs to individuals, not only to militias, though it is not unlimited and may be subject to regulation.
Relevant Provision
U.S. Const. amend. II: '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.'
Relevant Decisions
District of Columbia v. Heller
554 U.S. 570 (2008)
Held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense in the home.
McDonald v. City of Chicago
561 U.S. 742 (2010)
Held that the Second Amendment right is incorporated against the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.