GOA Testifies Against Body Armor Ban

Published on March 15, 2023
Duration: 8:26

This video features testimony against proposed body armor bans, arguing that such restrictions infringe upon Second Amendment rights. The speaker emphasizes that body armor, like firearms, falls under the 'common use' doctrine established by Supreme Court precedent, protecting items used by law-abiding citizens for defense. The testimony highlights the protective capabilities of various body armor types and their role in personal safety, particularly in vulnerable environments.

Quick Summary

Opposition to body armor bans is rooted in the Second Amendment's protection of 'arms' in common use for defense. Legal arguments, supported by Supreme Court precedent, assert that body armor, whether hard plates or soft Kevlar panels, is a constitutionally protected item for lawful citizens seeking self-protection.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Body Armor Bans
  2. 00:15GOA Testimony Against California Bans
  3. 00:30Misconceptions About Body Armor
  4. 00:50Body Armor for Grandchildren's Protection
  5. 01:13Premier Body Armor Panel Capabilities
  6. 01:41Body Armor as Personal Protection
  7. 02:04Vulnerability in Gun-Free Zones
  8. 02:14Constitutional Protection of Body Armor
  9. 02:37The Law of the Land: Common Use Doctrine
  10. 03:05Denying Protection to Ex-Offenders
  11. 03:47No Opposition to Criminal Use Penalties
  12. 04:13Protecting Children from Jeopardy
  13. 04:45Common Sense Protection of Lives
  14. 05:05Impact on Motorcycle Riders and Athletes
  15. 05:35Preventing Blunt Force Trauma
  16. 05:43Air on the Side of Law Abiding Citizens
  17. 05:52Why GOA/GOC Fight Body Armor Bans
  18. 06:00Second Amendment Protects 'Arms'
  19. 06:19DC v. Heller and Bearable Arms
  20. 06:31Protecting Families and Country
  21. 06:53What is Body Armor?
  22. 07:00Types of Body Armor: Hard Plates vs. Soft Panels
  23. 07:14Life-Saving Equipment
  24. 07:27Evolution of the Second Amendment Culture
  25. 07:56Increase in Civilian Body Armor Popularity
  26. 08:07Protecting Natural Right to Self-Defense
  27. 08:15No Compromise Position on Body Armor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal basis for opposing body armor bans in the US?

Opposition to body armor bans is primarily based on the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. Legal arguments assert that body armor falls under the 'common use' doctrine, meaning it's an item used by lawful citizens for defense and therefore protected, similar to firearms.

What types of body armor are discussed in the testimony against bans?

The testimony distinguishes between different types of body armor, including hard plates typically made of composite ceramic or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and soft body armor made of fabric-like materials such as Kevlar. These are presented as effective protective equipment.

How does the 'common use' doctrine apply to body armor?

The 'common use' doctrine, supported by Supreme Court precedent, states that the Second Amendment protects items that are in common use by lawful citizens for defense or offensive purposes. This principle is applied to argue that body armor, being widely used for protection, is constitutionally protected.

What are the potential impacts of body armor bans on civilians?

Banning body armor could prevent law-abiding citizens, including parents seeking to protect their children and individuals released from incarceration, from acquiring a means of self-defense. It's argued that this restriction infringes upon fundamental rights to personal safety.

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