Wolford v. Lopez · ¶69

When we assess whether a challenged law is consistent with the right the Second Amendment codified, we seek the general understanding of that codified right at the relevant point in time. An outlier legal rule adopted in a few locales is not enough. See supra, at 7–8; Bruen, 597 U. S., at 39 (“‘[T]he language of the Constitution cannot be interpreted safely except by reference to the common law and to British institutions as they were when the instrument was framed and adopted’” (emphasis deleted)). And as we have explained, “overwhelming evidence” shows an “enduring American tradition permitting public carry.” Id., at 67. Hawaii’s prohibitions on public carry represent a distinct outlier.

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