Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/21pdf/20-843_7j80.pdf
Page Number: 78.0

Cite as:  597 U. S. ____ (2022) 

9 

ALITO, J., concurring 

codifies the right of ordinary law-abiding Americans to pro-
tect  themselves  from  lethal  violence  by  possessing  and,  if
necessary, using a gun.  In 1791, when the Second Amend-
ment was adopted, there were no police departments, and 
many families lived alone on isolated farms or on the fron-
tiers.  If these people were attacked, they were on their own. 
It is hard to imagine the furor that would have erupted if 
the Federal Government and the States had tried to take 
away the guns that these people needed for protection. 

Today, unfortunately, many Americans have good reason 
to fear that they will be victimized if they are unable to pro-
tect themselves.  And today, no less than in 1791, the Sec-
ond Amendment guarantees their right to do so.