TRENTON, N.J., Feb. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs announced February 5 that it has filed suit in federal court to overturn New Jersey's draconian restrictions on carrying a handgun outside the home for self-defense. Under New Jersey law, a permit to carry a handgun may be issued only to those citizens who show that they face a unique need for self-defense—such as specific, documented death threats or actual attacks. Ordinary citizens are barred from carrying a handgun outside the home for self-defense, under threat of up to 10 years in prison. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit contend those restrictions violate the Second Amendment. Click here for a copy of the complaint.

In the landmark 2008 Heller decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment protects the individual right to keep and bear arms for self-protection, and it struck down a District of Columbia law banning the possession of firearms in the home.

"The core Second Amendment right of armed self-defense is just as important to an ordinary New Jersey citizen when she is traveling through a dangerous neighborhood as it is when she is safe in her home," said Scott Bach, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. "The Supreme Court has said that the States cannot ban people from keeping firearms for self-defense in their homes, and New Jersey's restrictions on carrying firearms outside the home will meet the same end."

Federal courts in New Jersey have previously upheld the State's restrictions, but the new lawsuit—which was filed in cooperation with the National Rifle Association—asks the courts to take another look at the issue, based on a recent federal decision striking down the District of Columbia's similar law as flatly unconstitutional. "We thank the NRA for its incredible support and guidance, which made this new lawsuit possible," continued Bach.

"The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that police have no legal duty to protect individual citizens from harm, which means you're on your own in an emergency," Bach continued. "The same government that abandons its duty to keep you safe should not also block your Constitutional right to protect yourself. Forty-three states recognize the fundamental right to defend yourself with a firearm outside the home, and New Jersey's days denying that right to its citizens are numbered."

Although suit has already been filed, the Association requests that anyone recently denied a carry permit in New Jersey contact the Association as soon as possible at [email protected].

The Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs is the official New Jersey affiliate of the NRA, and is New Jersey's oldest, largest, and most effective Second Amendment advocacy organization.

Contact: Scott L. Bach, Executive Director, Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. [email protected] 973-697-9270

SOURCE Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Related Links

www.anjrpc.org

