In Camden on Friday, a federal judge heard arguments in a case to strike down a state law restricting the concealed carry of firearms. Gun rights advocates are challenging a law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in December that bans guns in dozens of so-called sensitive locations in New Jersey. The law was enacted in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that made it easier for people to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
But the plaintiffs argued Friday that the state law is unconstitutional and want a judge to block its enforcement.
One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Daniel Schmuter, argued that New Jersey’s law, which creates an exhaustive list of places where licensed gun owners are prohibited from carrying guns, violates the earliest gun restrictions.
Deputy Attorney General Angela Tsai defended the state’s inclusion of places like zoos, parks, hospitals and transportation hubs as sensitive — the latter of which raised questions from the judge about what constitutes a violation.
Judge Renee Marie Bumb did not rule Friday, but she acknowledged that even after she rules, the case will likely go to the U.S. Supreme Court.
