Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Kerri Miller and Marcheta Fornoff

Does the First Amendment protect blueprints for 3-D printed guns?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Are the blueprints for guns coming to a 3-D printer near you?

Right now the answer is still uncertain.

A federal judge blocked a Texas-based company from releasing the schematics, but there could be a long legal battle ahead.

Are blueprints for 3-D printed guns a form of self-expression? Does regulating these blueprints put America down a path for more regulation of speech in the future? Or is this a valid form of regulation because these plans have the potential to enable people who might not otherwise have legal access to obtaining a firearm, to get one?

MPR News Host Kerri Miller spoke with two guests about the legal uncertainty surrounding 3d printed guns:

• Robert Spitzer is the Chair of the political science department at SUNY Cortland and author of "Guns Across America"

• Paul Barrett is the deputy director of NYU's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights and the author of "Glock: The Rise of America's Gun."

Use the audio player above to hear the full discussion