New Jersey Coalition for Self Defense Supports Landmark SAF Gun Rights Case Against State of NJ
New Jersey Coalition for Self Defense to submit amicus brief.
Washington Township, NJ –-(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) yesterday filed its case against the State of New Jersey for violating the Second Amendment rights of its citizens in the form of its arbitrary and capricious permit scheme and its narrow definition of “justifiable need”.
The New Jersey Coalition for Self Defense (NJCSD), an in-state Second Amendment rights group, plans to submit an amicus brief in support of the case.
“We fully expect the typical anti-gun hysteria predicting Wild West shootouts and streets running with blood,” said Robert Kreisler, President of the NJCSD.
“But those fear-mongering predictions have been dragged out every time gun laws are relaxed, and have never come true – ever.” Instead, what has actually happened in states adopting shall-issue policies is that they have experienced a real, measurable decrease in both property crime and violent crime.”
“It can truly be said that more guns equals less crime, because an armed citizenry serves as a powerful deterrent to criminals and general lawlessness,” Kreisler continued. “The court needs to hear and understand that very fundamental truth, which is in part what will be in our amicus brief.”
Alan Gottlieb, the Founder and Executive Vice President of Second Amendment Foundation, is looking forward to helping the people of New Jersey win back the right of self defense.
“Following on the heels of the SAF’s victory in McDonald v. City of Chicago, this case is one more step in bringing regressive states like New Jersey up to speed with the rest of the nation,” Gottlieb said. “Some 40-plus states have some sort of basic, Constitutional permitting process where law-abiding citizens can obtain a carry permit. We hope to add New Jersey to that list.”
“This case is our first shot against New Jersey’s gun-hating lawmakers since Heller and McDonald. It won’t be our last.” Said Scott Bach, President of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, a co-plaintiff in the case. “New Jersey’s outdated carry laws are based on the false premise that the right to keep and bear arms is a privilege granted by the state, when in fact it is a fundamental right to be protected from the state.”
“This case is sending shockwaves through the halls of the State House, as anti-gun-rights extremist politicians wake up to the fact that their open season on gun owners is at an end. The entire underpinning of New Jersey’s “ban it all, with begrudging exemptions” approach to gun law is vulnerable because it is inconsistent with a fundamental right. In this and future cases, we intend to sweep the legs out from under entire swaths of New Jersey gun law, which will collapse under the weight of their own unconstitutionality.” added Bach.
The NJCSD plans to hold fundraising events throughout the state and online to help support SAF in this and other efforts.
“Living in one of the most backward states in the nation, the residents of New Jersey fully understand the fallacy of gun control and will be eager to support this case,” predicted Kreisler. “At the same time, they can be satisfied knowing that they’ll be helping their brothers and sisters in states like California, New York and Massachusetts as well.”
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group, founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.
The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol clubs is New Jersey’s the National Rifle Association’s in-state affiliate committed to implementing all of NRA’s programs in the state. They can be found on the web at www.anjrpc.org.
The New Jersey Coalition for Self Defense (NJCSD) was founded in 2002 to combat misinformation about and raise public awareness of issues related to self defense in New Jersey. For more information about the NJCSD, visit their website at www.njcsd.org or call 877-890-5460.