June 24, 2022

SCOTUS Gun Ruling

The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a New York handgun-licensing law that required New Yorkers who want to carry a handgun in public to show a special need to defend themselves… The state law at the heart of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen required anyone who wants to carry a concealed handgun outside the home to show ‘proper cause’ for the license. New York courts interpreted that phrase to require applicants to show more than a general desire to protect themselves or their property. Instead, applicants must demonstrate a special need for self-defense – for example, a pattern of physical threats. Several other states, including California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, impose similar restrictions, as do many cities.” SCOTUSblog

Here’s our prior coverage of the case. The Flip Side

See past issues

From the Right

The right supports the decision, arguing that constitutional rights should not be dependent on bureaucratic discretion.

From the Left

The left criticizes the decision, arguing that less restrictive laws will increase crime and that the opinion’s historical analysis is flawed.

The left criticizes the decision, arguing that less restrictive laws will increase crime and that the opinion’s historical analysis is flawed.