District of Columbia v. Heller addressed the right to possess a firearm in the home under which amendment?

• A. First Amendment
• B. Second Amendment
• C. Fourth Amendment
• D. Fifth Amendment

Answer: (B)

The key idea is which amendment protects the right to possess a firearm in the home. The Second Amendment does exactly that, protecting the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. District of Columbia v. Heller clarified that this right is an individual right, not limited to service in a militia, and it applies in the home for self-defense. The Court struck down DC’s handgun ban and restrictions that kept firearms inoperable for self-defense, reinforcing the personal right to possess a firearm. By contrast, the First Amendment covers speech and religion, the Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth relates to due process and self-incrimination. So the correct amendment is the Second Amendment.