NCJ Number
38388
Date Published
Unknown
Length
46 pages
Annotation
THIS DOCUMENT PRESENTS KEY FACTS ABOUT OUR VIOLENT SOCIETY AND DISCUSSES HOW THEY RELATE TO THE PROLIFERATION OF HANDGUNS, DISCUSSES APPROACHES TO HANDGUN CONTROL, AND OUTLINES SUGGESTED LEGISLATION.
Abstract
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF HANDGUNS OWNED IN AMERICA, AND ON THE NUMBER OF HANDGUNS AND OTHER WEAPONS USED IN VIOLENT CRIMES (ESPECIALLY HOMICIDES) IS PRESENTED. REASONS FOR PURCHASING HANDGUNS (CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, SELF DEFENSE, HUNTING AND TARGET SHOOTING, CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, AND THE DESIRE FOR A 'MACHO' IMAGE) ARE DESCRIBED. CERTAIN FOREIGN, FEDERAL, AND STATE LAWS ON HANDGUN CONTROL ARE DISCUSSED. LEGISLATIVE APPROACHES TO THIS PROBLEM INCLUDE CONTROLS ON GENERAL PRODUCTION, CONCEALABLE HANDGUN PRODUCTION, SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL PRODUCTION, COMMERCE IN HANDGUNS, MULTIPLE SALES, REGISTRATION, AND LICENSING. THE POSITIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL TO CONTROL HANDGUNS AND OF VARIOUS FEDERAL COMMISSIONS SET UP TO STUDY THE SUBJECT ARE PRESENTED.