The Right of the Citizens to Keep and Bear Arms Has Justly Been Considered as the Palladium of Liberties in a Republic
The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered. As the palladium of the liberties of a republic: since it offers a strong moral check against the usurpation and arbitrary power of rulers; and will generally, even if these are successful in the first instance, enable the people to resist and triumph over them.
– Joseph Story
