The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday voted for a rehearing in a legal challenge of New Jersey's sweeping new gun carry ban. 

The order came in the combined cases of Siegel v. Platkin – backed by the NRA and seven individual plaintiffs – and Koons v. Platkin, the latter backed by the Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners, Firearms Policy Coalition, New Jersey Second Amendment Society, and the Second Amendment Foundation. 

The cases came after New Jersey's Democrat-controlled state legislature in 2022 rushed a bill into law, which restricted legal concealed carry over what the NRA described as "nearly every square inch of public space throughout the state." 

This September, a three-judge panel of the Third Circuit overturned some of the tenets of the law but upheld others, including "no gun" zones around bars, beaches, casinos, healthcare facilities, libraries, museums, parks, playgrounds, and zoos. With that ruling set aside and a new trial ordered before the full court, the pro-2A groups get another chance to make their case. 

"The prior panel’s flawed decision – upholding key elements of the law – has been vacated, restoring the case to a posture where New Jersey’s unlawful policies can be fully and fairly scrutinized," said the FPC in a statement this week. "FPC remains steadfast in pursuing meaningful relief for all who seek to exercise their right to bear arms in New Jersey and nationwide."

The Third Circuit currently has a Republican-appointed majority, with eight judges appointed by GOP Presidents and six by Democrats. Of the majority, six were appointed by President Trump, including two who recently joined the court this year. 

Banner image: Walther PPK/s in .32 ACP with a Galco horsehide pocket holster. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)