Plain-English summary
Court to decide if Hawaii can bar concealed handguns on privately owned public places without owner permission
Petitioners challenge a Ninth Circuit ruling that allows Hawaii to presumptively prohibit licensed concealed-carry holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public unless the property owner explicitly permits it. The Supreme Court will resolve whether that rule conflicts with the Second Circuit and with the Constitution.
Why this matters
The ruling will affect how states and private-property owners can regulate gun carry in places like restaurants, shops, malls, and other private venues open to the public. It also could resolve an important federal split on how broadly officials can restrict where licensed carriers may lawfully carry firearms, and how much deference courts must give to states’ or property owners’ default rules on carrying guns.
Who may feel it
- Licensed concealed-carry permit holders
- Private property owners and managers of places open to the public (restaurants, stores, malls, event venues)
- State and local governments that set gun regulations
- Law enforcement and prosecutors
- Members of the public who visit private venues open to the public
Key questions
- Does the Constitution bar a state from presumptively prohibiting licensed concealed-carry holders from carrying on private property open to the public unless the property owner affirmatively gives permission?