معضلة السلاح ومن يحمله

Contemporary controversies over guns are rooted in our history, but much of this history is unknown, ignored, or distorted. This is all the more important given the emergence of a new gun rights movement that seeks to expand the definition of these rights beyond the standard set by the Supreme Court in its landmark and controversial 2008 Heller ruling. The efforts of these activists have resonated with a new generation of conservative federal judges, selected in part for their stated commitment to the principle of original interpretation of the Constitution and their allegiance to an expansive interpretation of gun rights. In his book “The Gun Dilemma,” Robert J. Spitzer examines this “Gun Rights 2.0” movement in light of a range of gun-related controversies: assault weapons, magazines, silencers, the open carrying and display of weapons, and the emerging “Second Amendment sanctuary” movement. Given the importance of the history of gun laws to this debate, Spitzer draws on the historical record to highlight several contemporary and emerging gun-related issues that may reach the Supreme Court. Although this history is important and clear, he argues that we should not be limited by it, but rather benefit from it as the country strives to formulate its gun policies. By using new sources of information to explore the history of gun laws and current debates, The Gun Dilemma presents an informed and profound challenge to mainstream advocates of a literal interpretation of the Constitution, who seem determined to enshrine a radical liberal vision of gun rights in law.