The History Behind New York State Rifle
& Pistol Association v. City of New York

The long awaited ruling on the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. City of New York, was issued on 27 April, 2020. The Supreme Court resolved almost nothing. The Court held the case was moot, because the City of New York and the State of New York changed their law, so as to prevent the Court from ruling on the case. The Court merely maintained the unsatisfactory status quo of the Second Amendment in the lower courts.

This is exactly what those who oppose a meaningful Second Amendment demanded of the Court.

Here is a brief summation of the history of the case. Seven years ago, in 2013, the suit was brought against the City of New York and the License Division, by several individuals and the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.

The restrictions on the exercise of Second Amendment rights were, and are, extreme. A carry license is nearly impossible to obtain without political connections. A premise license is slightly less difficult, but still involves large expenses and commitments of time and energy, and may be denied for a host of minor reasons. Only about 1.29% of city residents have been issue handgun licenses. People who have premises licenses were not allowed to take their handgun outside the city. The lawsuit asked the court find the law unconstitutional. From the dissent on April 27, 2020: .....