An introduction to Constitutional Law 100 Supreme Court cases everyone should know

Randy E. Barnett & Josh Blackman

In 1990, Congress enacted the Gun-Free School Zones Act. This law made it a federal crime “for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm” within 1,000 feet of a school zone. The law did not purport to regulate any commercial activity. Additionally, the government did not need to show that the firearm had traveled in interstate commerce — the so-called jurisdictional hook.

In March 1992, Alfonso Lopez carried a concealed handgun into Edison High School in San Antonio. Initially, the high school senior was charged with violating a Texas law that banned the possession of firearms in schools. The next day, the state charges were dismissed after federal agents charged Lopez with violating the Gun-Free School Zones Act. He was tried and found guilty. On appeal, the Fifth Circuit declared the statute unconstitutional.

The United States appealed the case to the Supreme Court.

Three ways to watch and read

Paperback

The classic paperback edition with access to video library

$29.99

Hardcover

Elegant hardcover volume with 500 distinctive photographs

$75.00

Bulk Purchases

Short-term licenses for classes, schools, and districts

Variable