Let me finally note something about the self defence rationale. While I think Scalia is correct as a matter of law, I am abivalent about the practical effects of this ruling. I am in no way anti handgun ownership -- except I refuse to own such a weapon.

I qualified with a .45 while in the Navy, and I understand what guns are meant for -- the application of deadly force. You don't buy a gun in the hopes of scaring off would be offenders while never intending to actually use the weapon as it was purposed. If you buy a gun for self defense, then you had better be prepared to kill. And with a handgun deadly force means close range killing. Too many handgun owners approach this issue with less care than it deserves.

I also think that the vast majority of folks feel the same as I do -- guns OK, but not for me. So, I don't see a great rush to guns resulting from this ruling. I think Heller will neither necessarily lead to substantially more illegallly owned guns on the street, nor substantially more lawfully owned guns in the home...