The Second Amendment protects an individual right to gun ownership for self-defense and militia service. However, there is debate around what arms are covered and how far regulations can go. The "well-regulated militia" language refers to civilian militias that could defend the country if needed. Courts have affirmed some regulation of firearms is allowed as long as it does not infringe on the right's core. Interpretations differ on how much or what types of regulation are permissible.