The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday, December 2, 2019, in the biggest Second Amendment case in a decade. The case pertains to a handgun regulation in New York City that has now been repealed. The regulation limited licensed gun owners the ability to transport firearms outside of their home. The plaintiffs were identified as three New York City handgun owners who claimed that the city infringed on their Second Amendment right to bear arms. They are backed by interests, such as the National Rifle Association and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, which was also identified as a plaintiff. Opponents include the city, as well as democratic-led states and lawmakers who are arguing the conservatives are using this case to further expand the scope of the Second Amendment. The Supreme Court is expected to reach a decision by June 2020.
Instructors, click on the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom.
The deck contains a writing prompt, a debate question, as well as other assessment questions.
Video
Articles
- “Supreme Court hears biggest 2nd Amendment case in nearly a decade”
- “Supreme Court poised to hear first major gun case in a decade”
- “Gun control advocates nervous as Supreme Court takes up first 2nd Amendment case in a decade”
- “Justices fire warning shots at Supreme Court hearing on gun rights”
Assessment
- Writing: Why did the Supreme Court decide to take up the case?
- Debate: The Supreme Court should dismiss the case, as there is nothing left to argue.
- Poll: Do you think there is precedent in this case to expand the 2008 Heller ruling?
- Short Answer: What limits were put in place by the New York City regulation?
Current Events Quiz
1.) The lawsuit began as a challenge to a _____.
a. regulation
b. statute
c. act
d. bill
2.) The last Second Amendment case was heard by the Supreme Court in _____.
a. 2004
b. 2008
c. 2010
d. 2012
3.) The now repealed regulation placed which of the following restrictions on licensed handgun owners?
a. they could not take their firearms outside of city limits
b. they could not take their firearms outside of their home
c. they could not take their firearms outside of their home without being completely disassembled.
d. they could only have one handgun registered to their name
4.) New York City repealed the regulation that the plaintiffs were fighting against. (T/F)
5.) The justices have announced a new test for evaluating the constitutionally of gun laws going forward. (T/F)
6.) Two lower courts had rejected the plaintiffs’ claims and upheld the initial regulation. (T/F)
Featured Image: iStock.com/StephanieFrey