Press Release

Supreme Court to Decide Second Amendment Case Following Amicus Effort Joined by Alaska

April 28, 2021

(Anchorage, AK) – Attorney General Treg Taylor announced that Alaska is part of an amicus effort with 22 other states that was just granted cert, in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Corlett in the United States Supreme Court. The brief, led by Arizona and Missouri, argued that permitting law-abiding citizens to carry firearms in self-defense outside the home respects their fundamental rights and deters violent crime.

The brief noted that “subjective-issue permitting regimes,” such as those in New York and other states, infringe on citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms in self-defense outside the home. The brief also cited empirical evidence demonstrating that subjective-issue permitting decreases safety and deprives citizens of means to defend themselves from crime.

“While Alaska not only recognizes but cherishes its freedoms under the Second Amendment, many Americans in other parts of the country are unconstitutionally prevented from fully exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I am encouraged the Court is taking up this case and could affirm a fundamental right to safely and responsibly carry a firearm outside of their home.”

“In Alaska we recognize and respect the essential role firearms can play in keeping ourselves and our families safe, including outside of our homes,” said Attorney General Taylor, adding, “I am pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court has chosen to hear this important case.”

The Supreme Court Justices’ announcement that they will take up this challenge sets the stage for a major ruling on gun rights in the Court’s 2021-22 term. Alaska will continue to support second amendment rights and join other states in filing a merit-stage amicus brief.

# # #

Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.