MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (September 16, 2019) — The Second Amendment and the right to bear arms will be discussed by three Monmouth College political science professors to commemorate this year's Constitution Day.

Titled "The 'State' of the 2nd Amendment: Guns, Federalism, and the Constitution," the discussion will be held at 7PM, September 17, in the Morgan Room of Poling Hall. It is free and open to the public.

A federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the US Constitution, Constitution Day is formally observed on September 17, the date in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.

At the Monmouth event, professors Jessica Vivian, Mike Nelson, and Andre Audette will offer background about how to interpret and apply the Second Amendment, including how it fits into US constitutional theory, how the Supreme Court has ruled on the issue, how policies differ among states, and how US gun-laws compare to laws in other countries.

After the presentation, the floor will be opened for discussion and questions.

The Second Amendment 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."

"The topic of the Second Amendment is a persistent issue in American politics," said Audette. "Citizens of the United States own more guns than in any other country around the world. Many of those guns are used for hunting, sport or protection, but we are all familiar with the tragic events of gun violence in our country."

Audette noted that this year the Supreme Court will take up its first gun-rights case in more than a decade (New York State Rifle and Gun Association v City of New York), which will offer states and cities guidance on the types of gun-control policies they can implement.

"As judges and politicians debate gun control and the freedom to own weapons in the US, now it is more important than ever to understand this complex constitutional issue," he said.

Support the River Cities' Reader

Get 12 Reader issues mailed monthly for $48/year.

Old School Subscription for Your Support

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Old School Subscribe now.



Help Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93!

 

"We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.

So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage." - Todd McGreevy, Publisher