The parties nevertheless dispute whether New York’s licensing regime respects the constitutional right to carry
handguns publicly for self-defense. In 43 States, the government issues licenses to carry based on objective criteria.
But in six States, including New York, the government further conditions issuance of a license to carry on a citizen’s
showing of some additional special need. Because the State of New York issues public-carry licenses only when an applicant demonstrates a special need for self-defense, we conclude that the State’s licensing regime violates the Constitution.