The Second Amendment Controversy—Explained

About the Book

Many strongly and dogmatically believe the Second Amendment to be an individual right. Many others just as strongly and dogmatically believe the Second Amendment to be a collective right. Therefore the book title seems to state a promise too good to be true or impossible to fulfill. However the book thoroughly, fairly, and clearly presents the relevant facts such that the promise is fulfilled. The text traces the legal basis for the contradictory positions in a readable fashion. It shows the intended meaning of the Second Amendment and documents the reasoning of those who disagree. Also included is a discussion on the philosophical foundations for each of the positions. The last few chapters present some of the Second Amendment's implications on the country's legal and social structures. Following each chapter are human interest accounts of the use of firearms. The appendices provide extensive resource materials (relevant court decisions, constitution convention notes, federal law, Constitution letters of ratification, etc.) for further study and for verification that the book's handling of the Second Amendment is fair, accurate and complete. The appendices comprise a basic Second Amendment Reference Library "for the people."

About the Author

Mr. Johnson was born in Hammond, Indiana and earned a BSEE from Purdue and an MS in Systems Management from USC. He worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space Company for eight years and subsequently for the federal government. Happily married since 1961, he has three children and seven grandchildren.