Wilson v. Hawaii
In brief
The Supreme Court denied review and did not decide whether prosecuting Wilson for carrying a handgun without a license violates the Second Amendment.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided · December 9, 2024 · Opinion by Justice Thomas
- What it’s about
- This case involves a challenge to Hawaii's handgun licensing laws, specifically examining whether prosecuting an individual for carrying a handgun without a license violates the Second Amendment under the standards set by the Supreme Court's decision in Bruen.
- Who it affects
- The order gave no answer about whether Hawaii can prosecute Wilson for carrying a handgun without a license under the Second Amendment. It did not endorse either side's arguments or resolve that question in this docket.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The case arose from a broader debate over how the Second Amendment's Bruen test applies to state laws regulating handgun carry.
Question presented
Whether the test articulated in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen determines when a state's criminal prosecution for carrying a handgun without a license violates the Second Amendment.
What the Court decided
Holding
Petition DENIED. Statement of Justice Thomas, with whom Justice Alito joins, respecting the denial of the petition for a writ of certiorari. (Detached Opinion ). Statement of Justice Gorsuch respecting the denial of the petition for a writ of certiorari. (Detached Opinion )
The vote
- Majority author
- Clarence Thomas
What's next
This Supreme Court action is finished. The record identifies no further Supreme Court step and contains no ruling on the legal question.
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Opinion added: Wilson
Opinion added: Opinion
Show 1 moreShow fewer
Brief added: Petition
More questions
- What was Wilson v. Hawaii about?
- It concerned whether Hawaii could prosecute Wilson for carrying a handgun without a license under the Second Amendment test from Bruen.
- Did the Supreme Court decide whether Hawaii's prosecution violated the Second Amendment?
- No. The Court denied review and did not decide that legal question.
- What happens next in Wilson v. Hawaii?
- The Supreme Court's action is finished. The record identifies no further Supreme Court step and no ruling on the legal question.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.