District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) recognized an individual right to keep arms for self-defense; New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass'n v. Bruen (2022) replaced the "two-step interest balancing" framework with a "history and tradition" test that has invalidated many state regulations.
Major regulatory debates:
- Universal background checks for private sales and gun-show transactions.
- Assault-weapons / large-magazine bans: Federal ban (1994-2004) lapsed; states vary.
- Red-flag laws / extreme-risk protection orders: Allow temporary removal of firearms from those judged dangerous.
- Concealed carry: Bruen invalidated "may issue" regimes; "shall issue" with objective criteria is now standard.
- Federal licensing / registration: Proposed but not passed.