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Article
The Natural Right of Self-Defense: Heller's Lesson for the World
Syracuse Law Review (2008)
  • David B Kopel
Abstract
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller constitutionalized the right of self-defense, and described self-defense as a natural, inherent right. Analysis of natural law in Heller shows why Justice Stevens' dissent is clearly incorrect, and illuminates a crucial weakness in Justice Breyer's dissent. The constitutional recognition of the natural law right of self-defense has important implications for American law, and for foreign and international law.
Keywords
  • District of Columbia v. Heller,
  • Second Amendment,
  • self-defense,
  • natural law,
  • inherent right
Publication Date
2008
Citation Information
David B Kopel. "The Natural Right of Self-Defense: Heller's Lesson for the World" Syracuse Law Review Vol. 59 Iss. 2 (2008) p. 235 - 252
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david_kopel/17/