Gun law
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Gun law refers to a law that pertains to firearms. Gun laws are highly dependent on date and location, as they have changed along with developments in weapons and societies.
The issue of gun law has become a political and/or controversial issue in many societies. There are many differing views on how gun laws should be set up in a society. A typical disagreement is over whether guns should be prohibited in the interest of public safety, or whether citizen gun ownership improves safety and should be allowed.
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Australia
- Main article: Gun politics in Australia
Brazil
- Main article: Gun politics in Brazil
Canada
- Main article: Gun politics in Canada
Since the passage of Bill C-68 in 1995, all firearms in Canada (including such mundane items as single-shot .22 rifles) must be registered with the Canada Firearms Centre. A Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence is required to purchase any firearm or ammunition. While there are currently approximately two million PALs in issuance in Canada (2008), more realistic estimates place the number of Canadian gun owners at between five and seven million.
This means that between three and five million Canadian gun owners have defied the laws passed with C-68, with the overwhelming majority claiming that they did not trust the government, believing that registration was the first step towards confiscation.
Their suspicions were confirmed during the 2005 federal election campaign, when incumbent Prime Minister Paul Martin (of the Liberal Party of Canada) announced his intention to ban all handguns in Canada.[1][2] The policy proposal, seen as an act of political desperation on the part of the Liberal Party, was met with resounding ridicule, even amongst some longtime Liberal supporters.
China
Chinese citizens are prohibited from owning any guns. [1]
Finland
- Main article: Gun politics in Finland
India
Indian citizens are have the right to own, possess or carry guns provided a license / permit is obtained under the Central Arms Act, usually necessitating a background check from the nearest police department, or other law enforcement agency. The Indian government also distributes arms to citizens in areas ravaged by foreign infiltration and insurgency, as state policy. [2]
South Korea
In South Korea, it is a capital offense for anyone not related to military to own or distribute firearms.
Japan
Japan has strict laws to citizens, they need to have a backround check before owning a firearm. Any civillians in a japanese neighborhood may need to store handguns, rifles and other weapons in a safe.
Mexico
Even though Article 10 of the Mexican Constitution declares the right to bear arms, it is currently illegal in Mexico for any civilian to own a fire arm of any caliber used, tested, or currently in use by the Mexican Government or Military.
This limits a citizen to legally own a .22 to .380 caliber rifle or similar firearm without a full-automatic firing system.
Ownership of any centerfire caliber designed for automatic or military rifles is forbidden.
Netherlands
Dutch gun law is typical of the Western European approach. Firearm possession is not subject to any constitutional protections, but regulated simply in the Arms and Ammunition Act (Wet Wapens en Munitie). Weapons, including firearms, are divided into four categories, and for each of the categories a certain maximum punishment is set for "voorhanden hebben" (possession), and "dragen" (carrying in public).
Only citizens who are members of hunting and shooting sports clubs may obtain licences for weapons. And even then they may only get a licence for category III weapons (sports weapons).
Firearm possession and use by the military and the police is not subject to Arms and Ammunition Act, but regulated separately.
Sale is only for those age 18 or over.
New Zealand
- Main article: Gun politics in New Zealand
New Zealand gun law is covered by the Arms Act 1983 and the Arms Regulations 1992. In order to own a firearm, a person must obtain a firearms license. These are issued by the police and enable holders to own and use sporting rifles, shotguns and ammunition. In order to obtain a license, applicants must pass a test on 'safe and responsible firearms use, ownership, and storage'. They must also be a 'fit and proper person' to hold a license, based on a background check, and the license may be revoked for a variety of reasons. A special license is required by dealers, collectors, pistol club members, and owners of certain semi-automatic firearms. Less than 3% of all firearms owners have such endorsements and they must comply with much more stringent conditions than sporting firearms license holders. When not in use firearms must be locked in a secure rack and cabinet.[3]
Singapore
The only way for a civilian to own a firearm in Singapore is to acquire an Arm & Explosives license.[3]
South Africa
- Main article: Gun politics in South Africa
Switzerland
- Main article: Gun politics in Switzerland
Taiwan
Legal private ownership of firearms and ammunition is severely restricted. Aside from a few individuals licensed decades ago and shooting organizations sanctioned by the government, only aborigines may receive firearm permits.
With approval from the government, Taiwanese aborigines may build and possess up to two muzzle-loading black powder rifles per individual, or up to six rifles per household, for hunting and ceremonial purposes.
United Kingdom
- Main article: Gun politics in the United Kingdom
United States
- Main article: Gun laws in the United States (by state)
In the U.S., most federal gun laws are spelled out in one of the following:
- Handgunlaw.us
- National Firearms Act (1934)
- Gun Control Act (1968)
- Firearms Owner's Protection Act (1986)
- Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993)
- The 1994 Omnibus Crime Control Act (1994)
- Concealed Carry Gun Laws at Carryconcealed.net
In addition to federal gun laws, most states and some local jurisdictions have imposed their own firearms restrictions. The 'right to keep and bear arms' is a feature of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, and by international standards there are few restrictions on possession of firearms.
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.cbc.ca/story/canadavotes2006/national/2005/12/08/elxn-martin-guns.html Liberals vow to ban handguns] CBC, Thursday, December 8, 2005
- ↑ Martin's gun policy gets mixed reviews CBC, Thursday, December 8, 2005
- ↑ New Zealand Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) Guide to New Zealand firearms laws: http://www.colfo.org.nz/Reference_Library/Research/Guide_to_New_Zealand_Firearms_Laws.php
