The US Supreme Court has ruled New York state's requirement that a person demonstrate a special need to receive a public-carry gun license violates the constitution.

The law that was declared unconstitutional said a person seeking a license to possess a gun at home or in his place of business in New York must show they are of good moral character, has no history of crime or mental illness and "no good cause exists" for the license to be denied.

They also must demonstrate a special need for self-protection.

State statutes do not define "proper cause" and requires they demonstrate a special need for self-protection, which the court says is a "demanding" standard.

Once an application for a permit was denied, there was little recourse for the applicant.

The ruling says the constitution defends a person's right to carry a handgun outside the home for self defense.

Click here to read the full opinion