If states can simply redefine most public spaces as gun-free zones, the right to bear arms becomes little more than a theoretical right.
Two Second Amendment cases have been heard by the Supreme Court this term. The Supreme Court’s opinions in those two cases are expected to be announced before the end of June 2026.
The two cases are the Wolford case, out of Hawaii in the Ninth Circuit, and the Hemani case out of Texas in the Fifth Circuit.
Wolford is essentially a question of whether a state can define “sensitive” locations so broadly as to prevent people from being armed in most public places. Specifically, Wolford asks whether Hawaii has the authority to require property owners to actively choose to allow private carry on their property, or whether the State will ban private carry on their property.
By Dean Weingarten
