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The Below Comments Relate to this Newslink:

NC: Most gun laws are constitutional
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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Justice Scalia cited United States vs Miller, a still valid 1939 ruling that allowed laws banning private ownership of ... weapons not typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes ... Short-barreled shotguns, machine guns and M-16 rifles were specifically mentioned as weapons that could be banned by federal or state laws. The AR-15 is the civilian version (upgradable to fully automatic) of the military grade M-16. Other assault rifles differ from the AR-15 about as much as a Ford differs from a Chevrolet.

Comment by: RichardJCoon (2/22/2020)

The ar-15 is in common use today. Yes, it is convertible to full-auto, but that is already illegal. The ar-15 is also RARELY used in any type of crime, so what would banning it accomplish?

Comment by: MarkHamTownsend (2/22/2020)

U. S. V. Miller may still be on the books, but it is a despicable, twisted decision.

Neither defendant was present in the Supreme Court. No legal representation was --- the lawyers were doing this pro bono, "free," and could no longer afford it.
The case essentially was the solicitor general reading the case into the court record.

About as close to a "drumhead" trial as possible.

Comment by: PHORTO (2/22/2020)

MarkHamTownsend, your explanation of Miller was accurate, HOWEVER....

...what U.S. v. Miller inadvertently did was identify what kinds of arms are solidly within the ambit of the 2A, IN THE HOLDING.

The Court ruled that arms that don't meet the following criteria are not protected:

1. in common use
2. have some reasonable relationship to militia use
3. could contribute to the common defense
4. are any part of the "ordinary" military equipment

Re: semi-automatic weapons

1. check
2. check
3. check
4. check

The fact that the defendants were not represented is now moot. The precedent stands that semi-autos misnamed as "assault weapons" are 'protected', and banning them is unconstitutional.

Comment by: MarkHamTownsend (2/22/2020)

Phorto;

While I am not debating your interpretation of Miller, the phrase "shall not be infringed" in the 2A should protect any type of firearm, regardless of it being common, or useful to a militia. "Infringe" means 1.) To intrude into, or 2.) To diminish. The NFA of 1934 was a direct infringement, or "intrusion," into the right of the people, despite what Miller or any other court says.

In addition to, "common use" is a stilted term. In 1934 Thompsons, B.A.R.s and other select fire weapons were rare. The NFA as enacted would keep them rare, thus, the law not only creates the condition for its existance but also the justification. Holy circular logic!!!