Could Christie make it easier to get a concealed carry permit in NJ?

Want the right to carry in New Jersey? If so, you'll want to hear what Richard Petkevis of Citizens For A Safer New Jersey shared with me this morning.

His organization is promoting a petition asking Gov. Chris Christie redefine the term "justifiable need," which often restricts the ability for Jersey residents to obtain firearm carry permits.

(Editor's Note: It's not clear whether Christie would have the legal authority to make such a change. New Jersey 101.5 is reaching out to experts for perspective on the legal issues.)

Petkevis said in order to procure a carry permit in New Jersey, you have to submit an application to your police chief, get a background check, undergo training, and get a letter proving justifiable need. If the police chief approves your application, your case then goes to the Superior Court, and that judge must agree that you have justifiable need.

According to Petkevis, the denial rate at this point is almost 100 percent, even in cases where the applicant faces life-threatening situations.

"We had a gentleman that was almost beat to death twice and the only reason he ended up getting a permit was because his appeals were going forward to the Supreme Court," Petkevis said. "And we feel in the Second Amendment community that once the Supreme Court finally gets a New Jersey justifiable needs case that it's going to blow the door wide open in saying 'Hey, you can't do this.'"

If protecting your own life isn't enough grounds for a justifiable needs, I don't know what is. 

Bill Spadea is host of the Chasing News TV program. He periodically fills in for NJ 101.5 show hosts, and you can daily hear his opinion about all things New Jersey here, or by tweeting @BillSpadea.