The U.S. Supreme Court has added two major Second Amendment cases to its 2025–26 docket, setting the stage for pivotal rulings in 2026 that could reshape gun rights nationwide.
Overview of the New Cases
United States v. Hemani
Challenges the constitutionality of a federal law that bars gun possession by anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.”
The case raises questions about whether restrictions tied to drug use align with the Court’s recent expansive interpretation of the Second Amendment
Wolford v. Lopez
Involves a Hawaii law making it a crime for concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on private property without the property owner’s explicit permission.
This case tests the limits of property rights versus individual gun rights, especially in light of the Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, which struck down restrictive “may-issue” concealed carry laws
Why These Cases Matter
- Potential Expansion of Gun Rights
- If the Court sides with the challengers, it could further weaken state and federal restrictions, continuing the trend set by Bruen.
- Drug Use & Gun Ownership
- Hemani could redefine how personal behavior (like marijuana use, now legal in many states) interacts with federal firearm prohibitions.
- Property Rights vs. Carry Rights
- Wolford may clarify whether private property owners can restrict firearms more strictly than the government, or if the Second Amendment overrides such limitations.
Timeline
- Oral arguments are expected in early 2026, with decisions likely by June 2026, aligning with the Court’s typical schedule.
- These rulings will arrive in a politically charged environment, as debates over gun rights remain central in both state legislatures and national politics.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear United States v. Hemani and Wolford v. Lopez signals that the justices are not finished reshaping the Second Amendment landscape. With rulings expected in 2026, the outcomes could significantly alter the balance between individual gun rights, public safety, and property rights across the country.
