There is an ongoing and contentious legal battle looming over a New Jersey gun law.

Several New Jersey residents have formed an alliance to challenge a specific provision in the law which requires citizens to demonstrate a “justifiable need” to law enforcement when requesting a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Additionally, 19 states have issued their support to the group of NJ residents who are challenging the law.

The legal battle started when John M. Drake, a Sussex County man, filed a lawsuit contesting the disputed provision. After Drake lost in court, a 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel of three judges rejected his appeal. Drake then joined forces with a similarly concerned group of citizens to fight the appeals ruling and bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has written an amicus brief in support of the group. Additionally, the New Jersey Second Amendment Foundation and the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs are offering their support for the appeal. 18 other states are also providing their support, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and West Virginia. According to a legal brief submitted by the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, the concerned parties believe that the New Jersey appeals court ruling has the potential to threaten the less-stringent concealed carry laws currently enforced in other U.S. states.

In addition to the aforementioned legal challenge, a man from Manalapan, NJ has also filed a lawsuit concerning New Jersey’s gun laws, with oral arguments before the New Jersey Supreme Court pending. According to an attorney in the case, the case represents the first time in 45 years that the NJ Supreme Court will be forced to rule with regard to the state’s laws on gun control.

To learn more, read the following article: “19 States Join Legal Fight Against New Jersey’s Concealed Weapons Law.”