NCJ Number
63725
Date Published
1979
Length
16 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE EXAMINING THE HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF GUN CONTROL ARGUES AGAINST MOST PROPOSED ANTIGUN LEGISLATION AND FAVORS THE 1976 GEORGIA LAW THAT REGISTERS PERSONS INSTEAD OF GUNS.
Abstract
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF VARIOUS FORMS OF GUN CONTROL ARE CITED AND THEN REFUTED. THE SECOND AMENDMENT GUARANTEES THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS; REGISTRATION IS LIKELY TO LEAD TO ABOLITION OF THIS RIGHT. COMPARISONS OF CITIZEN ATTITUDES AND LAWS IN ENGLAND, CEYLON, SWITZERLAND, JAMAICA, AND THE PHILIPPINES ARE BRIEFLY MADE. THE ARTICLE CRITICIZES MOST PROPOSALS FOR GUN REGISTRATION OR PROHIBITION. INSTEAD, IT SUGGESTS THAT FIREARM OWNERS AND USERS BE LICENSED AFTER WRITTEN OR ORAL EXAMINATIONS, THAT FEES BE SET TO COVER ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, THAT THERE BE A RIGHT OF APPEAL IF DENIAL SEEMS UNFAIR, AND THAT NO PROVISION BE MADE FOR REGISTRATION OF THE ARMS THEMSELVES. ONE OF THE BEST GUN LAWS IS THE 1976 GEORGIA LAW THAT REQUIRES A LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN ANYWHERE OTHER THAN AT HOME OR BUSINESS. THE LICENSE APPLIES TO THE PERSON, NOT THE GUN. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND FOOTNOTES FOLLOW. (RFC)