The question of Americans' right to bear concealed arms in public divided the United States Supreme Court during a hearing on Wednesday that could call into question a slew of American laws.

The nine justices, with a 6-3 conservative majority, debated for two hours on New York state's limits on carrying concealed handguns in public, since the state requires people to show a "proper cause" to do that.

Two gun owners and the New York affiliate of the National Rifle Association (NRA) pressure group, are asking the Supreme Court to overturn the law.

The debate

Justices challenged Paul Clement, the lawyer representing the challengers, on where guns might be off-limits in that scenario, including public transit, government buildings, schools, sports stadiums, sites of protests, university campuses, and drinking establishments.

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Justice Samuel Alito wondered why only "celebrities, state judges, and retired police officers" should be able to carry concealed guns and not ordinary citizens. The 3 liberal justices objected to Alito's bid in a country where about 40,000 people are killed annually by a firearm, including by suicide.

Even those of "good moral character," such as inebriated fans at a sports stadium, could "end up dead," according to liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, who noted that guns are dangerous.

Conservative justices have tried to find a compromise

Despite their criticism of the New York state law, conservative justices have tried to find a compromise. Amy Coney Barrett, the justice who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, pointed out that everyone agrees that we need specific controls.

The judges discussed at length criteria that would allow defining 'sensitive places' where guns would be prohibited if the law were to be repealed, referring to the subway system, football stadiums, and Times Square.

This is the first time in more than 10 years that the Supreme Court has reopened this deeply divisive case in the US. 

Demonstrations outside courthouse

“The stakes are very high” and the “potential consequences very bad,” Angela Ferrell-Zabala, vice president of the organizations Everytown For Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, announced to a small group of demonstrators assembled outside the court ahead of the hearing.

It is worth noting that the Supreme Court has until June 2022 to issue a ruling in the case.