On July 27, 2023, Kaplan Hecker & Fink filed an amicus brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on behalf of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence in Koons v. Platkin, a case challenging New Jersey’s reasonable gun restrictions. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, New Jersey enacted new firearm regulations to mitigate the anticipated uptick in gun violence. A district court enjoined most of the new restrictions, and the State appealed.
Our brief urges the Court to vacate the district court’s injunction and reinstate New Jersey’s firearm regulations for two principal reasons. First, the brief argues that the district court failed to appropriately consider credible empirical and scientific evidence which overwhelmingly demonstrates that New Jersey’s gun restrictions will prevent increases in gun violence and save lives. Second, the brief explains how the district court’s staggering conception of the Second Amendment collides with other vital aspects of our constitutional framework, including its protections for political speech and assembly, property rights, and public order.
The filing, which can be read in full here, reflects the firm’s continued commitment to fighting the scourge of gun violence in this country.