In Camden on Friday, a federal judge heard arguments in a case to overturn a state law restricting the concealed carry of firearms. Gun rights advocates are challenging the law Gov. Phil Murphy signed in December banning guns in dozens of so-called sensitive places in New Jersey. The law was passed in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for people to get a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
But plaintiffs argued Friday that the state law is unconstitutional and want the judge to keep it from being enforced.
One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Daniel Schmuter argued that New Jersey’s law, creating an exhaustive list of places where permitted gun owners are restricted from carrying, is in violation of the earliest gun-carrying restrictions.
Deputy Solicitor General Angela Cai defended the state’s inclusion of places like zoos, parks, hospitals and transportation hubs as sensitive — that last one drawing questions from the judge about what would constitute a violation.
There was no decision from Judge Renee Marie Bumb on Friday, but she acknowledged that even after she rules, the case is likely to go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
