These are the court decisions that define gun rights in Rhode Island and nationally. Understanding them helps you know where the law stands and how courts have responded when rights are violated.
Rhode Island Cases #
O’Neil v. Neronha (U.S. District Court, RI, 2022) #
Challenged Rhode Island’s ban on stun guns. Despite the judge personally disagreeing with the Heller precedent, he applied it and struck down the stun gun prohibition as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. Rhode Island’s stun gun ban is now invalid. This is a direct win for gun rights in Rhode Island and confirms that the right to keep and bear arms extends to constitutionally protected arms beyond traditional firearms.
Gadomski v. Tavares (RI Supreme Court, 2015) #
Norman Gadomski was denied a carry license on two grounds: that he had not demonstrated a need to carry, and that he had prior arrests with no resulting charges. The Rhode Island Supreme Court dismissed both grounds. The court confirmed that applicants are not required to prove necessity under RIGL 11-47-11, and that arrests without convictions cannot be a basis for denial. The court also established that licensing authorities have 90 days to process applications. The licensing authority was ordered to reconsider.
Gendreau v. Canario (RI Supreme Court, 2013) #
Jarren Gendreau was denied a carry license by the Bristol Police Chief despite meeting all statutory requirements. The Rhode Island Supreme Court ordered the chief to review the application and provide valid reasons for any denial. A federal complaint followed in 2014.
Gillette v. Esserman (RI Superior Court, 2009) #
The Providence Police Chief refused to accept a concealed carry application. The court issued a bench order directing the chief to accept the application within 45 days and process it within 30 days. A chief cannot simply refuse to accept your application.
Archer v. MacGarry (RI Superior Court, 2002) #
The Smithfield Police Chief refused to accept a pistol permit application. The court ordered the chief to process it under RIGL 11-47-11. The permit was subsequently issued. Same principle as Gillette — refusal to accept is not a legal option.
Mosby v. Devine (RI Supreme Court, 2001) #
Mosby was denied a pistol permit without a hearing and lost the case. However, the court affirmed a critical principle: law-abiding citizens who meet the requirements of RIGL 11-47-11 shall be issued a permit. The authority is a finder of fact, but the right is not discretionary.
Federal Landmark Cases #
New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen (U.S. Supreme Court, 2022) #
The most important Second Amendment ruling since Heller. The Court struck down New York’s concealed carry permitting scheme and established a new standard: gun laws must be consistent with the historical tradition of firearm regulation in America. Governments can no longer simply argue that a restriction serves public safety — they must show it is rooted in history. This decision is actively being used to challenge gun laws across the country, including in Rhode Island.
District of Columbia v. Heller (U.S. Supreme Court, 2008) #
The Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, unconnected to service in a militia. Heller struck down Washington D.C.’s handgun ban and established that the right to self-defense in the home is at the core of the Second Amendment. Every gun rights case since has built on this foundation.
McDonald v. City of Chicago (U.S. Supreme Court, 2010) #
Extended Heller to the states. Prior to McDonald, the Second Amendment only restricted the federal government. McDonald held that the right to keep and bear arms applies equally to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment. This is what makes Heller and Bruen binding on Rhode Island.
Caetano v. Massachusetts (U.S. Supreme Court, 2016) #
The Court unanimously reversed a Massachusetts conviction for stun gun possession, holding that the Second Amendment extends to all arms that are not specifically dangerous and unusual, including modern weapons not in existence at the time of the founding. This decision is the basis for tracking stun gun and less-lethal weapon legislation on this site.
Duncan v. Bonta (U.S. Courts, ongoing) #
A challenge to California’s ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The district court ruled the ban violates the Second Amendment. The case has gone through multiple rounds of appeals and remains active. It is directly relevant to Rhode Island, which passed its own magazine ban in 2022.
