NCJ Number
80077
Date Published
1981
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This bulletin contains a review of the gun control laws at the Federal level; among the 50 States, particularly Wisconsin; and in the District of Columbia.
Abstract
The War Revenue Act of 1919, which levied an excise tax on firearms, was the first firearms legislation ever enacted by the Federal Government. It was followed by other laws extending the role of the Federal Government in firearms control, culminating in 1968 with the passage of the Gun Control Act, which came about following political assassinations and the rise in crime during the 1960's. This act targets dealers, purchasers, and persons possessing the small handguns known as 'Saturday night specials.' No further legislation has been enacted concerning gun control, although recent attempts have been made to change the current law. Unlike many other States, Wisconsin does not have a law mandating that dealers have a State license, and it does not require firearms dealers to maintain records more detailed than required by the Federal act. On balance, Wisconsin's law is similar to about half the other States; the remaining States have stricter laws. However, Wisconsin does have a provision which places it in the minority of States -- the mandatory 48-hour waiting period for each purchase of a firearm. A table shows common elements in State laws. Definitions and 16 references are supplied. (Author summary modified)