New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has issued a statement ahead of oral arguments in the case of ANJRPC v. Platkin at the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The case focuses on New Jersey’s restrictions on assault weapons and large capacity magazines.
“New Jersey’s common-sense gun safety laws have been responsible for back-to-back record low numbers of shootings in our state in the last two years and being on track to beat that record again this year – but this significant achievement is under threat by the gun lobby seeking to bolster their profits at the cost of the lives of New Jerseyans. Over the course of the Murphy Administration, we have never wavered in our commitment to saving lives in our state. Whether it is establishing our Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office and bringing successful suits to hold gun industry members accountable, successfully defending New Jersey’s concealed carry restrictions and other gun safety laws after the Bruen decision, or working with Governor Murphy to enact the most significant gun safety reforms in the history of our state, we have always fought to protect lives in New Jersey, and we have built up a record of success. We look forward to today’s oral arguments and to continuing this important work,” Platkin said.
The oral arguments are taking place before an en banc panel at the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Attorney General’s Office will defend state laws restricting assault weapons and large capacity magazines, which have been in place for 35 years.
According to information provided by Platkin’s office, these types of firearms and magazines are considered unsuitable for civilian self-defense but are effective in military settings or criminal acts due to their design for rapid firing over long distances. They have been used disproportionately in mass shootings nationwide, including incidents such as Sandy Hook, Las Vegas, and Pulse Nightclub.
After the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, all federal circuit courts that have reviewed challenges to similar bans have upheld them. Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum is scheduled to present oral argument on behalf of New Jersey.
