This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Background and question before the Court
What each side argues
District of Columbia (Petitioner) Position
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
Dick Anthony Heller (Respondent) Position
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Kennedy asked: “Is necessary for the purpose of what? What is the purpose?”
Justice Souter asked: “And you want to talk about the standard, and your light's on.”
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- afbf1a72c72314763c21-r1-50aca0e06207542c.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 22, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.