diff --git a/generic/views.py b/generic/views.py
index 9d9fb1e7..60eaca93 100644
--- a/generic/views.py
+++ b/generic/views.py
@@ -115,11 +115,14 @@ def generic_exam_json_edit(request):
 
         # Only checkers can do the following
         if question_type == "rapids" and not request.user.groups.filter(name='rapid_checker').exists():
-            raise PermissionDenied
+            data = {"status": "error, permission denied"}
+            return JsonResponse(data, status=400)
         if question_type == "anatomy" and not request.user.groups.filter(name='anatomy_checker').exists():
-            raise PermissionDenied
+            data = {"status": "error, permission denied"}
+            return JsonResponse(data, status=400)
         if question_type == "longs" and not request.user.groups.filter(name='long_checker').exists():
-            raise PermissionDenied
+            data = {"status": "error, permission denied"}
+            return JsonResponse(data, status=400)
 
         if "set_open_access" in request.POST:
             if request.POST.get("set_open_access") == "true":