SCOTUS Says New York Gun Law Can Remain in Place as Challenges Continue

SCOTUS Says New York Gun Law Can Remain in Place as Challenges Continue

The Supreme Court decided that the New York strict gun laws could remain in place as challenges to the law continue.

A group of gun owners wanted SCOTUS to lift an order that allowed the laws to continue while the appeals court finished reviewing the case.

The statement comes from Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas:

The New York law at issue in this application presents novel and serious questions under both the First and the Second Amendments. The District Court found, in a thorough opinion, that the applicants were likely to succeed on a number of their claims, and it issued a preliminary injunction as to twelve provisions of the challenged law. With one exception, the Second Circuit issued a stay of the injunction in full, and in doing so did not provide any explanation for its ruling. App. to Emergency Application 2. In parallel cases presenting related issues, the Second Circuit has likewise issued unreasoned summary stay orders, but in those cases it has ordered expedited briefing. See, e.g., Order in Hardaway v. Nigrelli, No. 22–2933 (CA2, Dec. 7, 2022), ECF Doc. 53; Order in Christian v. Nigrelli, No. 22– 2987 (CA2, Dec. 12, 2022), ECF Doc. 40.

I understand the Court’s denial today to reflect respect for the Second Circuit’s procedures in managing its own docket, rather than expressing any view on the merits of the case. Applicants should not be deterred by today’s order from again seeking relief if the Second Circuit does not, within a reasonable time, provide an explanation for its stay order or expedite consideration of the appeal.

In summary, Alito and Thomas agree that the issue raises “novel and serious questions.” But they also respect the appeals court’s independence to work on its own docket. There is no need to interfere with the case.

In June, SCOTUS ruled that New York’s concealed carry law was unconstitutional. You had to present “probable cause” to conceal carry your handgun outside your house.

New York passed strict gun laws in response to the SCOTUS decision.

In October, U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby found parts of the New York gun law unconstitutional.

Suddaby blocked the part where applicants must prove “good moral character” and allow authorities to review their social media profiles. The decision also blocked the state from making places like Times Square and city subways gun-free zones.

New York Democrats lost their minds and appealed.

A week later, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City reversed Suddaby’s decision, allowing the gun law “to stay in effect until a three-judge panel decides on the motion to stay.”

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