Patrick J. Charles

Patrick J. Charles is a prominent historian and legal scholar currently serving as the Division Chief of the Studies and Interviews Division at the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) within the United States Air Force. He has an extensive academic background, holding an L.L.M. in Legal Theory and History from Queen Mary University of London, a J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and a B.A. in History and International Affairs from George Washington University, where he graduated with honors.13

In his role at AFHRA, Charles oversees historical research and oral history initiatives, contributing significantly to the preservation and interpretation of Air Force history. His scholarship includes numerous articles and books on legal history, particularly focusing on the Second Amendment and firearm regulations. His works have been cited by various courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.124

Charles is also recognized for his publications, including Armed in America: A History of Gun Rights from Colonial Militias to Concealed Carry (2018) and Vote Gun: How Gun Rights Became Politicized in the United States (2023), reflecting his expertise in legal history and constitutional law.23