Trenton, New Jersey — A full panel of the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Wednesday in a renewed challenge to New Jersey’s 2022 law banning firearms in 25 designated “sensitive places,” including libraries, casinos, transit hubs, health care facilities and entertainment venues.
The case returns to the appellate court after a divided three-judge panel largely upheld the law last fall. Gun owners argue the statute violates the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, which requires modern firearm restrictions to align with the nation’s historical tradition of gun regulation.
Attorney Erin Murphy told judges the state took an overly broad approach that effectively limits public carry almost everywhere outside the home. State attorneys countered that historical regulations evolved as firearms became more prevalent and that lawmakers can adapt restrictions to modern public safety concerns.
Judges questioned both sides about how far historical analogies should extend and whether modern weapon technology justifies broader restrictions.
A decision is expected in the coming months, potentially after the Supreme Court rules on a similar Hawaii case.
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