NCJ Number
32952
Journal
CRIMINAL LAW QUARTERLY Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (DECEMBER 1975) Pages: 29-71
Date Published
1975
Length
43 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE ANALYZES BOTH SIDES OF THE GUN CONTROL ARGUMENT TO SEE WHETHER FURTHER CONTROLS IN CANADA ARE NECESSARY, AND EXPLORES THE GUN CONTROL OPTIONS WHICH COULD BE USED TO CURTAIL ILLEGAL USE OF FIREARMS.
Abstract
STATISTICS ON CRIMES INVOLVING FIREARMS IN CANADA ARE PRESENTED ALONG WITH COMPARATIVE STATISTICS FROM THE UNITED STATES. THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF FIREARMS REGULATION IN CANADA IS THEN OUTLINED, AND AN HISTORICAL REVIEW OF CANADIAN GUN CONTROL LAWS IS PROVIDED. UNDER CANADIAN LAW, THREE CLASSES OF FIREARMS WERE SET UP: PROHIBITED WEAPONS, RESTRICTED WEAPONS (SUCH AS HANDGUNS) AND LONG-ARMS (SHOTGUNS OR RIFLES) WHICH WERE LEFT UNCONTROLLED. THE CANADIAN SYSTEM FOR DEALING WITH PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED WEAPONS IS DESCRIBED, AND AN EXAMINATION IS MADE OF THE PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH THE CONTROL OF LONG-GUNS. CERTAIN CONTROLS COMMON TO BOTH HANDGUNS AND LONG-GUNS ARE THEN EXPLORED. THESE INCLUDE: LICENSING, BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS OF GUN PURCHASERS, COMPETENCY TESTS FOR ACQUIRING HANDGUNS, AND GUN REGISTRATION. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN FIREARMS CONTROL IS ALSO DISCUSSED.