The Right That Government Can't Take From You

Published on November 28, 2025
Duration: 9:00

This video, presented by William Kirk of Washington Gun Law TV, explores the concept of natural rights, specifically the right to self-preservation, as distinct from constitutional or statutory rights. It analyzes an amicus brief filed in Wolford v. Lopez, arguing that the Second Amendment codifies a pre-existing natural right to armed self-defense that government cannot infringe upon or condition. The discussion extends to property rights and the right to exclude, asserting that these are also natural rights that the state cannot arbitrarily override.

Quick Summary

The Second Amendment is viewed as codifying the pre-existing natural right of self-preservation and armed self-defense, not creating a new right. This fundamental liberty, considered God-given, travels with individuals everywhere, including public spaces, and cannot be infringed upon or conditioned by government.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Thanksgiving Weekend & Natural Rights
  2. 00:54Deep Dive: Wolford v. Lopez Amicus Brief
  3. 01:11Who is the Claremont Institute?
  4. 01:33Natural Rights vs. Legal Rights Explained
  5. 02:00Historical Origins of Natural Rights
  6. 02:29Second Amendment as Codification of Self-Preservation
  7. 03:26Beyond Second Amendment: Property Rights at Stake
  8. 04:25God-Given Right to Defend Ourselves
  9. 05:03Tracing the Historical Origins of Self-Defense
  10. 05:30Supreme Court Acknowledgment of Natural Rights
  11. 05:45Justice Story on the Palladium of Liberties
  12. 06:08Fundamental Human Right Travels Everywhere
  13. 06:53The Vampire Rule and Revocable Privileges
  14. 07:15Remembering the Bigger Picture: God-Given Right
  15. 07:35Hawaii's Law vs. Pre-Political Liberty
  16. 08:03Conclusion: Amicus Brief and Resources
  17. 08:22Questions and How to Contact Washington Gun Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between natural rights and constitutional rights?

Natural rights are inherent, God-given liberties like self-preservation that exist independently of government. Constitutional rights are those granted or protected by a written constitution or statutes, which government can theoretically alter or revoke.

How does the Second Amendment relate to natural rights?

The Second Amendment is understood as codifying the pre-existing natural right of self-preservation and armed self-defense, rather than creating a new right. This means it's a fundamental liberty that government cannot infringe upon.

Can the right to bear arms be limited to the home?

No, the right to bear arms, as a natural right of self-preservation, is considered to travel with the individual everywhere, including public accommodations and private property open to the public, not just within one's home.

What is the significance of the Wolford v. Lopez case regarding gun rights?

The amicus brief in Wolford v. Lopez argues that the Second Amendment codifies a natural right to armed self-defense that government cannot condition or withhold, challenging laws that treat it as a revocable privilege.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Washington Gun Law

View all →