New Jersey has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country. For years, NJ Gov Phil Murphy has tried, unsuccessfully, to make them even more restrictive.
On June 23, Murphy, along with other Americans, learned that the US Supreme Court overturned a New York ‘concealed carry’ law.
The gun law ruling could affect a handful of other states as well, including New Jersey, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The US Constitution protects an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home.
Justice Clarence Thomas
Even with the current, strict gun control laws, violent crime in New Jersey is growing. Bail reform, anti-police rhetoric, and limited prosecution may have contributed to the surge in criminal behavior.
With a few exceptions, New Jersey prohibits residents from carrying handguns outside their home or business without a permit.
The Supreme Court ruling could spawn legal challenges in NJ and other states.
NJ Gov Murphy wants aggressive monitoring of ammunition sales. Manufacturers and sellers of handgun ammunition would be mandated to keep electronic sales records and report them to NJ State Police.
The Second Amendment supports public carry for self defense.