Resistance by Inferior Courts to Supreme Court's Second Amendment Decision
26 Pages Posted: 29 Aug 2014
Date Written: July 1, 2014
Abstract
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Heller and McDonald decisions that clarify and protect Second Amendment rights, federal and state inferior courts have been engaging in massive resistance. Supreme Court decisions holding that a right is fundamental require obedience by lower courts if the rule of law is to prevail. The Supreme Court can grant review in another case and reassert its authority to this stubborn resistance. Absent that, legislative fixes are available, and the passage of time and a change in the culture may end the resistance.
Keywords: Second Amendment, Heller, McDonald, massive resistance
JEL Classification: K00, K10
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation