Gun Control Policies

Gun ownership in the U.S. is much different than other countries. Countries that have
experienced similar traumatic shooting incidents have taken massive steps to regulate gun
ownership and restrict assault weapons. As a result they generally experience far fewer
incidents of gun violence.
The History of Gun Control:
National Firearms Act of 1934
National Firearms Act of 1938
Gun Control Act of 1968
Second Amendment of the Constitution
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993
Federal Assault Weapons Ban
Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1995
Current Gun Control Policies:
Section 922 of the U.S. Code limits various categories of
people from shipping, transporting, receiving, or
possessing firearms or ammunition.
Ex: fugitives, criminals, unlawful users, mental institution patients, unauthorized
immigrants, persons dishonorably discharged.
There are no federal laws banning semi-automatic assault weapons.
State laws regulate this instead.
Link to website with information about specific gun laws in the U.S.:
https://www.nraila.org/articles/20040324/citizen-s-guide-to-federal-firearms-law
Maryland Gun Control: - Strict in comparison to other states.
Sale of rifles and/or shotguns is not regulated.
Regulates the sale, transfer, rent and possession of handguns and assault weapons.
Background checks, handgun training course, seven-day wait period, prohibits people
from purchasing more than 1 handgun within 30 days.
Pros of Gun Control:
Most crimes are committed with the use of guns, restricting ownership reduces the
number of crimes.
Acts of terrorism could potentially be eliminated if access to guns was more difficult.
Suicides are higher with gun availability.
Cons of Gun Control:
Infringement of our 2nd Amendment.
Control does not deter crime.