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Project Curia
Supreme Court decisions
No. 24-1046Jun 25, 2026Crime and Law EnforcementReversed

The question

Whether Hawaii's law barring licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the owner's express consent violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.

Wolford v. Lopez

What the Court decided

The Court struck down Hawaii's law barring licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public unless the owner gives express authorization. The Court held that carrying handguns for self-defense falls within the plain text of the Second Amendment, so the restriction is presumptively unconstitutional. Hawaii's shift from the common-law rule imposes a new and significant burden on the right recognized in Bruen. The permit holders challenging the law prevail.

How the justices split

6-3
In favor 6Against 3
Alito
Roberts
Thomas
Gorsuch
Kavanaugh
Barrett
Kagan
Jackson
Sotomayor

The Court's opinion

Alito, joined by Roberts, Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett

The Court held that carrying handguns for self-defense falls within the plain text of the Second Amendment, making Hawaii's law presumptively unconstitutional. Petitioners are among the people protected by the Amendment and seek to bear arms. Owners of establishments open to the public may still admit or exclude armed persons, but Hawaii's shift from the common-law rule imposes a new and significant burden on the right recognized in Bruen, including deterring proprietors from welcoming permit holders.

Concurring

Barrett, joined by Thomas, Gorsuch

Barrett filed a concurring opinion. Thomas and Gorsuch joined as to Part II-B. The syllabus does not state the substance of the concurrence beyond its existence and joinder.

Dissenting

Kagan, writing alone

Kagan filed a dissenting opinion. The syllabus does not state the substance of the dissent beyond its existence.

Dissenting

Jackson, joined by Sotomayor

Jackson filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Sotomayor. The syllabus does not state the substance of the dissent beyond its existence and joinder.

How we know · 5 sourced claims
  • Hawaii's law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the owner's express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.

    Source: syllabus, Held

  • The restrictions imposed by Hawaii's law fall within the plain text of the Second Amendment, so the law is presumptively unconstitutional.

    Source: syllabus, Held

  • Hawaii's shift from the common-law rule imposes a new and significant burden on the right recognized in New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruen.

    Source: syllabus, Held

  • Alito delivered the opinion of the Court, joined by Roberts, Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.

    Source: syllabus, lineup

  • Kagan filed a dissent, and Jackson filed a dissent joined by Sotomayor.

    Source: syllabus, lineup

Read the opinion on supremecourt.gov