BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation announced today that attorney, author and historian Stephen Halbrook is the 2021 recipient of the “Scholar of the Year” award.
Earlier this year, Halbrook saw publication of his tenth book dealing with gun rights issues, titled “The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Right of the People or a Privilege of the Ruling Class?” He explained the motivation for this book is rooted in a challenge to a now-defunct New York City gun control ordinance, about taking guns outside the home. He predicted it would be the next Second Amendment issue the Supreme Court might take up, and within a week of the book’s release, the high court did exactly that by accepting the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association’s challenge of Empire State concealed carry laws.
Upon learning of his award, Halbrook stated, “That’s great. I am really proud of this.”
“Steve Halbrook has been a mainstay in the movement to restore the Second Amendment to its rightful place among the Bill of Rights,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “His depth of knowledge about the history of that right, and how it is a cornerstone of our Constitution and our very way of life is widely known and respected by his peers.
“His books on gun rights issues, and especially his newest volume, should be required reading for any attorney or academic who looks at a career in constitutional law,” he added. “He has been involved in the Second Amendment movement since the 1970s, and he has become something of a “go-to guy’ when it comes to issues relating to the right to keep and bear arms. If you have a question about Second Amendment rights or history, Halbrook will have an answer.
“We are proud to honor Steve with this award, and give his work the recognition it deserves,” Gottlieb said. “His scholarship on the Second Amendment will stand the test of time.”