How did District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) impact state's rights?

The case of District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) significantly impacted the interpretation and application of the Second Amendment, particularly regarding state rights. The Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for self-defense within the home, affirming that the right to keep and bear arms is not solely linked to militia service. This landmark decision set a precedent that limited the extent to which states and local governments could impose restrictions on gun ownership and use.

As a result, states found themselves constrained in their ability to enact laws that could broadly infringe on individual gun rights. The ruling underscored that the Second Amendment is a fundamental right applicable to individuals, requiring a level of protection against regulatory measures that could be deemed overly restrictive. This decision marked a shift towards enhancing individual rights concerning gun ownership, thereby reducing the scope for states to regulate these rights in a manner that could be seen as violating constitutional protections.