Supreme Court appears ready to rule against restrictions on concealed-carry permits
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The U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to strike down a New York law restricting concealed-carry gun permits during oral arguments Wednesday.
A SCOTUSblog headline sums up the arguments: “Majority of court appears dubious of New York gun-control law, but justices mull narrow ruling.” Other publications covering the arguments include the New York Times, the Washington Post and Reuters.
The plaintiffs in the case are the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and two individuals who were denied concealed-carry permits for self-defense. They contend that New York law makes it “virtually impossible” for ordinary citizens to obtain a concealed-carry permit, amounting to a violation of the Second Amendment.
Related article from ABAJournal.com: “Supreme Court revisits Second Amendment with challenge to New York concealed-gun restrictions”
A narrow ruling could hold that New York officials have too much power to deny gun licenses, according to the New York Times. Permit applicants in New York have to specify why they need a gun for self-defense.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled that the Second Amendment protects the right to have guns at home for self-defense. It has not ruled on guns outside the home.
Arguing for the plaintiffs, lawyer Paul Clement said carrying a gun outside the home is a fundamental constitutional right. Gun owners shouldn’t have to tell a government official why they have good reason to exercise that right, he said. Clement did say, however, that states have the right to bar guns from sensitive cases, but determinations could be made on a case-by-case basis.
The case is New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “New York and other states have the right to limit concealed weapon permits, ABA says in amicus brief”
