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.
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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[edit] The 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 16 or over
[edit] 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 semi-automatics. 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.[1]
[edit] United States of America
In the U.S., most federal gun laws are spelled out in one of the following:
- 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)
In addition to federal gun laws, most states and some local jurisdictions have imposed their own firearms restrictions. The 'right to bear arms' is a feature of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, and by international standards there are few restrictions on posssession of firearms.
[edit] References
- ^ 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
