Gun Control Laws

Currently the United States regulated gun control laws on both federal and state levels. The federal government regulates gun control law in two ways. The first way is by regulating automatic weapons. The second way is by forcing every distributor of guns to be registered with the federal government. Both of these regulations restrict convicted felons from purchasing, selling, and using guns. By 1986 the federal government had enacted two pieces of significant pieces of legislation on gun control laws. The first in 1934, is known as the National Firearms Act. The second in 1986, is known as the Gun Control Act. These two acts combined, changed gun control laws so that convicted felons, businesses, children, delinquents, mentally ill, and drug addicted individuals are not allowed to purchase, sell, carry, or use a gun. After 1968 any violation under this act was recognized as a federal crime. Within the acts lie penalties that are strict in nature. In the year 1990, the manufacturing of automatic, and semi automatics were written into gun control laws. The law prohibits imports of these gun types into the United States.

Gun control has been revamped ever since congress implemented the Brady Bill. This bill was enacted after the attempted assassination of president Ronald Reagan. When the president was almost killed, a reporter was injured, hence the name Brady Bill. Under gun control law, consumers of handguns had to wait five days until they received their firearm. During this five day period, background checks were conducted on behalf of the consumer. This was an attempt to prevent people from purchasing a gun right before committing a crime. In addition, this made it harder for criminals to obtain guns so easy. Gun control laws have been changed since then, and these stipulations have been taken out. Today background check are still conducted, however the waiting period has been lifted.

Gun control laws are often revised during times of panic or need. During sensitive times, like when President Reagan was almost assassinated, emergency revisions are made to protect public safety. However the gun control law is usually appealed and revised so that is Constitutionally acceptable among the population. In each state, gun control law is regulated specifically for that state. Most states offer restrictions on specific types of guns, and their functions. For example, a state may allow a semi automatic weapon to be used for hunting, but when it is used for personal use, it may be banned. State gun control laws may leave discretion up to the local officials, like police, firemen, and government administrators. However, in most states, gun laws are outlined, and followed by every locale in the same fashion. This alleviates bias, and discrimination from occurring due to discretion. The most important aspect of gun control law within states is accessibility. States have enacted laws that make unsecured guns illegal. Meaning that if a child or another person other than the gun owner can access the weapon, then the owner is subject to legal penalties.