The United States Supreme Court has been at the center of multiple high-stakes issues, the two most recent ones being a possible reversal of Roe v Wade and the reignited gun laws debate. Neither has had any solid verdicts so far.2

A Supreme Court draft opinion on Roe v. Wade was leaked earlier this month, sparking a backlash and a series of protests. Roe v. Wade is a 50-year-old Supreme Court precedent that is at the center of modern-day laws that provide abortion rights in the United States.

Also Read: Who was Salvador Rolando Ramos, the 18-year-old Texas elementary school shooter?

The new debate revolves around United States gun laws, the Second Amendment and how safe it is to carry a firearm in public. While the country reels from the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the Supreme Court will deliver a crucial verdict on American gun laws.

What is the case?

The Supreme Court has heard arguments about the New York gun-permit law that was enacted more than a century ago. This law requires individuals to have a “proper cause” for carrying a firearm in public areas.

Two residents of New York, who are backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), are the key challengers to this law. Media reports suggest the two individuals claim their Second Amendment rights are being violated through the “proper cause” requirement.

Oral arguments for the crucial case were heard at the Supreme Court in November last year. Reports from Business Insider suggest the conservative-dominated bench seemed to agree with two the New York men. A verdict is expected in late June or early July this year.

What does this mean?

If the Supreme Court rules against the state of New York, the precedent would paint targets on such gun control measures across the United States.

Other states have similar laws. These include Rhode Island, Maryland, Hawaii, California, Delaware, New Jersey and Massachusetts.