Quote:
Originally Posted by Envitro
A simple solution for gun control in the U.S., loosely based off of our laws:
Constitutional Amendment to re-inforce the 2nd Ammendment with the right to bear arms, with the following conditions that bring the law into the 21st century: - In order to possess a firearm or firearm related parts you must pass a safety course, background check and a mental-health background check, after which you will be licensed to own firearms (and/or parts) for a period of 5 years. After expiration of 5 years you may re-apply for a small fee ($50) at which time another comprehensive background check will be performed. You are also subject to a daily background check.
- If you commit a violent crime or commit a crime with a firearm you can never own a firearm again, and your existing firearms will be confiscated at once
- Improper and unsafe storage of firearms will be grounds for revocation of the license, confiscation of firearms, and jail time
- It is illegal to sell, gift, or transfer firearms to someone under the age of 18, or anyone that is not licensed
- No government entity or law enforcement agency can dispossess a legally licensed gun owner from his firearms without cause and due process (i.e. court order)
- It is illegal to make threats of violence as a legal owner of firearms. The licensee would be subject to revocation of license and prosecution
In my mind, point E would go a long way to calming down the far right in the U.S.. The argument against "they're going to take our guns away" kind of disappears but they'll always argue that it's a conspiracy etc. etc.
Point F goes to all of these tough guys that talk a big game and make threats, and then you find out that they're in possession of a ####load of guns. At least the police can act on it before something happens.
This is pretty close to what we have here.
Even without this, if the cops went to this kids house and scared the crap out of him, told him that they're watching him at all times, then maybe this wouldn't have happened. I don't know, but just maybe.
Thoughts? |
Point 1 - Background checks are already required when purchasing a firearm from a dealer. Whether it be at a brick & mortar store or a gun show. Some states also require private sales to be processed through a dealer. The exception here is the states that allow you to skip the background check if you hold a CCW, because it already comes with a background check. With regards to mental health background check, no framework exists for such a background check. Either people will have to open their medical records to the government or find a shrink who is willing to sign off on their mental health, which wouldn't happen without a bunch of consults and costs. The Canadian version of this is a self-declaration that you haven't been diagnosed or treated in the last five years, with further investigation if answered in the affirmative.
Daily background checks are not part of the Canadian licensing model. The continuous eligibility program only compares individuals with interactions with police against the PAL/RPAL list and flags for further investigation if needed. A daily check wouldn't show anything the government isn't already aware of and be a massive undertaking in terms of resources.
Point 2 - Already covered under federal law. Convicted felons can't possess firearms or ammunition.
Point 5 - Doesn't need to be a law since illegal seizure of property isn't allowed now anyways.
Point 6 - Uttering threats is already illegal, you don't need to make another law that prohibits the same action.