The above post made me dust off a copy of the NJ Constitution.
Yes, indeed, there is no mention anywhere in the NJ Constitution that would allow for a citizen to "keep and bear arms"..
From NJ state papers.
Article 1
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES/NATURAL RIGHTS.
1- All persons are by nature free and independent and have certain natural and unalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring,possessing, and protecting property, and of pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness
Jump to paragraph 5 under Article 1
Equal Rights.
5. No person shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil or military right nor be discriminated against in the exercise of any civil or military right, nor be segregated in the militia, or in the public schools, because of religious principles, race, color, ancestry or national origin.
How can a citizen be expected to defend his/her property or life and limb if one cannot keep an bear arms for that protection thereof?
Could the right to keep an bear arms be such a natural God given right, that the legislatures simply did not see the need to include the right in the NJ Constitution?
I equate that omission to the natural God given right to "travel", Hence, the term travel is not listed in the US Constitution however most reasonable minded folks will agree that we all have a God given right to "travel" in our pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
Surly the good folks from NJ have Natural Rights and Equal Rights to protect themselves and their family and property against those that wise to do them ill will.
My .02
CCJ