Virginia is one of 44 states that have the right to “bear arms” embedded in their own constitutions. The beginning of Virginia’s reads much like the Second Amendment:
“That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; …”
It didn’t always read that way. That last clause – “therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” – was not part of the original version, enacted in 1776. It was added in 1971. And, as with the Second Amendment, its meaning isn’t clear.
Two Virginia attorneys general have issued different legal opinions on it. In 1993, one said the right is not intended for all citizens; in 2006, Bob McDonnell, the current attorney general, said it is.
Some states have left no room for doubt. Take West Virginia:
“A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use.”
Did you know?
- Virginia, Maryland and California are the only states that limit most handgun purchases to one every 30 days. South Carolina was the first state to pass such a law but repealed it four years ago.
- Shooting rampages in the 1990s in Britain and Australia convinced those countries to outlaw most private guns. Now, British police are conducting a surrender campaign to get children to hand over the toy ones. Half of all gun crimes in London are pulled with imitation weapons, including BB and air guns, used to intimidate victims who think they’re real. Imitation guns are banned in public. Carrying one could lead to 12 months behind bars.
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