The Pros And Cons Of Firearms

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The state has one of the pioneering bans on the possession of semi-automatic rifles enacted in 1989. More restrictive measures have been added after that. Unlike many other states, California does not have provisions that guarantee private persons the right to possess, purchase, or carry firearms. This has led to many challenges of the provisions in federal courts, especially since the Supreme Court determined that the provision in the Second Amendment is applicable across all states (McDonald, 2010). The state places a ban on specifically named weapons including the UZI and AK 47, as well as a ban on weapons based on their characteristics that make them assault weapons. Such characteristics include: flash suppressor, flare launcher, grenade launcher, thumbhole stock, forward pistol grip, conspicuously protruding pistol grip located under the action of the weapon, telescoping or folding stock, threaded barrel, second hand grip, capacity to accept ten or more rounds, among other specifications (California Firearms Laws, 2007). All automatic firearms, rifles, and short-barreled guns are prohibited. With regards to concealed weapons, California is regarded as a “may issue,” ranging from no issue, especially in urban regions, and shall issue in rural areas (California Firearms Laws, 2007). The state does not recognize permits to carry concealed weapons from other states. To purchase a handgun, one must obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate that is issued after passing the written test. All handguns transferred in California must be certified by the state, while private sales must be through a licensed handgun dealer. A ten-day waiting period is required for any handgun purchase (California Firearms Laws, 2007). Colorado Background check... ... middle of paper ... ...rry. Prohibited areas include hospitals, law enforcement buildings, schools, a place where alcohol is sold and consumed, airports, state parks, and places that are federally prohibited. With regards to public opinion, the ban on open carrying is presently being challenged in courts. Public opinion has also been recently shaped by the recent case involving the shooting and killing of an African-American teenager, Trayvon Martin, by a neighborhood monitor, George Zimmerman, who was acquitted. Public opinion is that Florida’s gun laws are excessively permissive, allowing individuals to carry firearms to their workplaces (F. S. 790.251), transporting them in public transportation, storing them inside motor vehicles, and has no mandatory registration for firearms. There are no state statutes that limit the possession of high capacity magazines or assault weapons. Georgia

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