Shall Not Be Infringed? The Right to Bear Arms in Virginia

America's founders believed that citizens needed firearms to protect themselves from dangerous animals, dangerous neighbors, and a dangerous government. And that belief led to clear legal protections of the right to keep and bear arms. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, that belief is under attack, even in James Madison's home state.

Join The Federalist Society's Richmond Lawyer Chapter for a lunch discussion with former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli examining the right to keep and bear arms under the United States and Virginia Constitutions. From Bruen and Rahimi to this year’s decisions in Wolford v. Lopez and United States v. Hemani, Cuccinelli will explore how the Supreme Court’s emphasis on constitutional text and historical tradition shapes the boundaries of permissible firearms regulation.

General Cuccinelli will address recent Virginia gun-control initiatives, including Virginia’s new restrictions on “assault firearms” and "large capacity magazines." He will comment on the statewide injunction blocking enforcement of those restrictions and the parallel federal litigation, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s constitutional challenge to Virginia’s firearms ban. Does the Virginia Constitution provide protections beyond the federal guarantee? How should courts evaluate modern firearms restrictions against historical practices? And what do these legal battles mean for the future of gun rights in the Commonwealth?

FEATURING:
Hon. Ken Cuccinelli, Former Virginia Attorney General


TICKETS:

Members: $5| Non-Members: $15 |

Students and Young Lawyers (5 years or less out of law school): Free


All must kindly register in advance.

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.