John Paul StevensThinkers

The 1st Amendment is essential as it is the expression of the minority's viewpoint in the national debate that most demands its protection.

The 2nd Amendment is concerned with the protection of the possession of firearms only in connection with service in a militia and, hence, does not rule out gun control measures like that of the district of columbia.

The 2nd Amendment is unlike some similar state provisions enacted at the time, is silent on the right to keep firearms for self-defense.

Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is a rejection of the common sense of the American people, who have recognized a need to prevent corporations from undermining self-government since the founding, and who have fought against the distinctive corrupting potential of corporate electioneering since the days of Theodore Roosevelt.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is wrongly decided, for a democracy cannot function effectively when its constituent members believe laws are being bought and sold.

The Supreme court is a body whose job is not to apply laws that have not yet been written.