Supreme Court Declines to Hear Challenge to NY Gun Restrictions
The Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) Monday declined to hear a challenge to New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which was enacted in response to the court's 2022 ruling expanding gun rights. This effectively maintains most of the state's current firearms restrictions.
- This leaves the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals' October ruling in effect. It allows New York to ban concealed firearms in "sensitive locations," including parks, entertainment areas, churches, and healthcare facilities. It also requires prospective gun owners to demonstrate "good moral character" for concealed carry licenses.
- The law was enacted after the SCOTUS' 2022 decision that struck down New York's century-old Sullivan Act, which had required individuals to show "proper cause" for obtaining concealed carry permits.
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The Spin
Left narrative
It's a relief that SCOTUS passed on hearing this challenge to New York's gun law. The law is necessary to ensure public safety and many of its requirements reasonably conform with historical firearm regulations. More must be done to limit the number of guns on the street, and SCOTUS should continue to play a role in reducing firearm possession.
Right narrative
SCOTUS has dropped the ball here because it's easy to see how the New York regulations in question nullify SCOTUS' 2022 ruling. It's now practically impossible for people in New York to exercise their Second Amendment rights because of the state's broad and ill-defined law, which goes far beyond historical precedent and traditional regulations.
Metaculus Prediction
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