Gun violence in our country has been steadily increasing, with gun related deaths 16% higher from 2014 to 2017. While many Americans have pushed for more gun laws, the U.S. Supreme court heard their first gun rights case in nearly a decade.

On Dec. 2, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed a New York City law restricting licensed holders to bring their locked and unloaded guns outside their homes to be transported beyond city limits. Although some politicians believe the court should drop this case, the NRA (National Rifle Association) and other gun rights groups hope to change this policy and protect citizens’ right to conceal a gun for self-defense.

According to Fox News author, Ronn Blitzer, “The fact the high court even considered this case prompted a stunning complaint earlier this year from Democratic senators, who filed a brief essentially threatening to pack the court absent changes.” With this factor at play, President Trump’s newly appointed justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, insisted that this case be investigated further even after New York City repealed the statute.

Although this case could mean further protection of Americans’ gun rights, Democrats continue to try and push this case out of the court in fear of lessened gun restrictions in New York City.

While a case involving gun restrictions has not received this kind of attention since 2008’s District of Columbia v. Heller and 2010’s McDonald v. City of Chicago case, the Supreme Court’s interest shows a potential change in political policy.

Even so, Senate Democrats warned the supreme court of a possible rearranging in a brief release Monday. “The Supreme Court is not well. And the people know it,” the brief said. “Perhaps the Court can heal itself before the public demands it be ‘restructured in order to reduce the influence of politics.'”

While Democrats aim to classify this case as “moot”, gun rights supporters continue to stand by the 2nd amendment. Senior Grace Theilen suspects this case shows promise of improved gun regulations in the near future. “I believe that guns should be allowed at home for self-defense, but I also believe that not just anyone should be allowed to purchase a gun. Stricter background checks could help pin-point unfit people,” said Theilen.

In today’s society, the push to pass gun laws has been overwhelmingly high as gun violence continues to spread. And while there is no denying the need for some gun requirements concerning buying and licensing, the right to bear arms should still be upheld. For it should be known that the person behind the gun should be at fault for lives lost, not the gun itself.

As this case is debated further in the years to come, the importance of the second amendment and the desperate need for improved gun regulations remains immensely relevant and imperative to a successful future for America.