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Second thoughts on the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: exploring original intent and textual construction

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  • Grubb, Farley

Abstract

A prominent interpretation of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution uses original meaning, strict construction, and textualism. The Amendment’s words mean exactly what they say, which was the original intent of the founding fathers as they fit them into the strict construction of the Constitution as drafted in 1787. The current conclusion taken from this approach is that the Second Amendment prohibits gun control laws at all legislative levels. Understanding this approach involves grammatical and historical issues that require interdisciplinary analysis. I show that when historically, grammatically, and analytically deconstructed the conclusion is the opposite of that currently propounded.

Suggested Citation

  • Grubb, Farley, 2026. "Second thoughts on the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: exploring original intent and textual construction," MPRA Paper 129050, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:129050
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/129050/1/MPRA_paper_129050.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Grubb, Farley, 2016. "Colonial New Jersey's provincial fiscal structure, 1704–1775: spending obligations, revenue sources, and tax burdens during peace and war," Financial History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 23(2), pages 133-163, August.
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      JEL classification:

      • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
      • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
      • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods
      • K00 - Law and Economics - - General - - - General (including Data Sources and Description)
      • K19 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Other
      • K49 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Other
      • N41 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913

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