THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION WAS RATIFIED ON DECEMBER 15, 1791. IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA V. HELLER (2008), THE SUPREME COURT AFFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT BELONGS TO INDIVIDUALS, FOR SELF-DEFENSE IN THE HOME, WHILE ALSO INCLUDING, AS DICTA, THAT THE RIGHT IS NOT UNLIMITED AND; DOES NOT PRECLUDE THE EXISTENCE OF CERTAIN LONG-STANDING PROHIBITIONS SUCH AS THOSE FORBIDDING; "THE POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY FELONS AND THE MENTALLY ILL" OR RESTRICTIONS ON "THE CARRYING OF DANGEROUS AND UNUSUAL WEAPONS".