NCJ Number
143161
Date Published
1993
Length
44 pages
Annotation
State laws were surveyed to determine which States allow the open possession of guns by minors and other legislation regarding guns and minors.
Abstract
The research focused on handguns due to their high use in crime and their popular appeal to juveniles. Results revealed that although many States limit the carrying of concealed weapons, the majority do not ban the open possession of handguns by all persons under 21. Only 13 States and the District of Columbia directly prohibit all minors under 21 from openly carrying handguns. Fifteen States prohibit the open possession of handguns by those 17 and under, but permit open carrying by people ages 18-20, even though the murder arrest rates for persons age 18 and 19 is higher than for any other age group. The remaining 22 States permit the open carrying of handguns by some or all persons under age 18. Moreover, no Federal prohibition exists on the open carrying or possession of handguns by minors. Footnotes, figures, map, and attached tables, media articles, and related materials