Ban on concealed-carry in New York to be challenged in Supreme Court

In a surprise decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has decided it will hear a controversial case challenging New York's gun laws.

In their orders released Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear New York State Rifle, et al. v Corlett, Keith M., et al although they did limit arguments to the question: "Whether the State's denial of petitioners' applications for concealed-carry licenses for self-defense violated the Second Amendment."

The petitioners argue New York's gun laws make it "virtually impossible" for "ordinary law-abiding citizens" to get a concealed carry license. Open carry is banned and one must show a special need for "self protection" in order to receive a concealed carry license.

"The Second Amendment does not exist to protect only the rights of the happy few who distinguish themselves from the body of 'the people' through some 'proper cause,'" petitioners wrote when they asked the Supreme Court to hear their case. "To the contrary, the Second Amendment exists to protect the rights of all the people."

Opponents argue gun control prohibits crime and the right to own a gun should be as restricted and regulated as possible.

The Supreme Court has not heard a case like this about gun rights in ten years, the New York Times reports.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a myriad of similar cases brought before them, to the relief of leftists and the chagrin of conservatives. Since they have agreed to hear this one, this particular case could prove to be a landmark one on state-level gun restrictions and the interpretation of the Second Amendment.

The case, which the Supreme Court will likely hear in the fall, comes at a time when there has been yet another uptick in mass shootings—following a lull during COVID—and when many liberals have threatened to "pack the court"—adding additional members to the bench— now that they're enjoying a moment of political power.

The decision in this case could influence how much the Biden administration presses the issue of adding members to the Supreme Court and whether or not Congress attempts to pass additional federal gun legislation.