NCJ Number
168887
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 82 Dated: (August 1996) Pages: 72-75
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In 1987, Florida became the first State to pass a law under which an average citizen can acquire a permit to carry a concealed weapon; six more States passed such legislation in 1996 and the number of States with liberalized handgun policies rose to 31.
Abstract
Some States have laws that require training in gun use and dispute resolution and that contain provisions for withholding gun licenses from individuals with a criminal record or a history of mental illness. Perhaps the greatest area of concern associated with liberalized handgun policies involves workplace violence. Many employers are drafting no-gun policies in response to laws that place guns in purses and briefcases of average citizens who may be upset at their bosses or coworkers. Another legal issue relates to undue interference with someone's right of self-defense. Laws in Texas, Utah, and other States to deal with violence in the workplace and the liability faced by employers are examined. The focus is on balancing constitutional rights and handgun control and on the use of background checks by employers. 4 photographs