The U.S. Supreme Court in early 2026 will hear oral arguments in two cases testing the limits of gun rights under the Constitution. Can a state outlaw carrying a concealed weapon in businesses or restaurants unless the owners post a sign allowing it? And can the federal government criminalize the possession of firearms by a habitual drug user?

As Justice Brett Kavanaugh put it during this week’s oral arguments in the first cases on the topic to come before the Supreme Court, “There are harms on both sides.” At the core of the matter is whether trans-women athletes have a lingering testosterone advantage—a question that remains scientifically disputed.

The Supreme Court in the coming days is set to fill out its remaining docket for the term. Behind closed doors Friday, the justices are set to weigh roughly 200 petitions to take