TOM GOLDSTEIN ON HELLER:
Individuals have a constitutional right to possess a basic firearm (the line drawn is unclear, but does not extend to automatic weapons) and to use it in self-defense. The government can prohibit possession of firearms by, for example, felons and the mentally ill. And it can also regulate the sale of firearms, presumably through background checks.
The opinion leaves open the question whether the Second Amendment is incorporated against the States, but strongly suggests it is. So today’s ruling likely applies equally to State regulation.
I’m just on a quick break. I’ll read the opinion — all 157 pages — and comment later.
UPDATE: Bob Owens notes some less thoughtful commentary.