Supreme Court lets New York enforce gun law during lawsuit
New York can continue to enforce a new, broad law banning guns from “sensitive places”, including schools and playgrounds. The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the law is now in effect.
New York gun owners who wanted to challenge the law in an emergency filed a request to the justices. Gun owners asked the high court for an order from the federal appeals court to reconsider the law’s validity.
Even though the appeals court has not completed its review of this case, justices often hesitate to weigh in. The case and law could be considered by the justices in the future.
Justice Samuel Alito stated in a statement of two paragraphs that accompanied the court order that New York law in question “presents novel questions and serious issues.” However, Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas said that they understood the court not intervening now to show respect for the appeals court “procedures in managing their own docket” rather than express any views on the merits.
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New York Governor. Kathy Hochul was enthusiastic about the court’s actions.
“I am pleased that the Supreme Court has granted us permission to enforce the gun laws that we have enacted to do that. She stated that she believes these sensible, thoughtful regulations will prevent gun violence.
Law’s challengers, however, stressed that they would continue to fight. Gun Owners of America Senior Vice president Erich Pratt stated that his group had “hoped” for immediate relief, but found Alito’s statement to be “incredibly reassuring.” He said they “look forward” to continuing their fight against New York’s draconian laws.
New York legislators rewrote its handgun laws in the summer following a June Supreme Court decision that invalidated New York’s previous system of granting permits for handguns outside the house. This ruling declared that Americans are entitled to carry firearms in public to defend themselves. It also invalidated the New York law which required individuals to prove a need to obtain a license to carry guns outside their home. This ruling was a significant expansion of gun rights across the country and led to challenges to similar laws in other states.
New York’s new law, passed following the ruling, broadened the range of people who can obtain a license for handgun ownership. It also increased the training requirements and required applicants to give more information. This included a list of social media accounts. The law also requires applicants to a license to have a good moral character. It also includes a list of places where firearms are prohibited, including schools, playgrounds and places of worship, entertainment venues, and places that serve alcohol.
However, U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby declared several parts of the law unconstitutional, and issued a preliminary order preventing certain provisions from being enforced. Suddaby, for example, blocked parts of the law that required applicants for concealed carry licenses to demonstrate “good moral character” as well as to give information about their social media accounts. He also blocked portions of the law that prohibited guns from theatres, parks, and zoos as well as places where alcohol is served.
Because of historical support, he kept in place provisions that prohibit guns from schools and playgrounds. He also maintained the ban on guns at Times Square.
The U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit put Suddaby’s ruling on hold as it considered the case. The high court was asked by law challengers to allow Suddaby’s ruling to take effect while the case is ongoing. That request was turned down by the justices.
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