Global InformationOverview of gun laws by nation information
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Gun laws and policies, collectively referred to as firearms regulation or gun control, regulate the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, and use of small arms by civilians.[1] Laws of some countries may afford civilians a right to keep and bear arms, and have more liberal gun laws than neighboring jurisdictions. Countries that regulate access to firearms will typically restrict access to certain categories of firearms and then restrict the categories of persons who may be granted a license for access to such firearms.[2] There may be separate licenses for hunting, sport shooting (a.k.a. target shooting), self-defense, collecting, and concealed carry, with different sets of requirements, permissions, and responsibilities.
Gun laws are usually justified by a legislative intent to reduce the use of small arms in crime, and to this end they frequently target makes and models of arms identified in crimes and shootings, such as handguns and other types of concealable firearms. Semi-automatic rifles designs which are derived from service rifles, which are sometimes colloquially referred to as assault rifles, often face additional scrutiny from lawmakers. Persons restricted from legal access to firearms may include those below a certain age or those with a criminal record. Firearms licenses to purchase or possess may be denied to those defined as most at risk of harming or murdering themselves or others, persons with a history of domestic violence, alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder, mental illness, depression, or those who have attempted suicide. Those applying for a firearm license may have to demonstrate competence by completing a gun safety course and show provision for a secure location to store weapons.
The legislation which restricts small arms may also restrict other weapons, such as explosives, crossbows, swords, electroshock weapons, air guns, and pepper spray. It may also restrict firearm accessories, notably high-capacity magazines, sound suppressors and devices, such as auto sears, which enable fully automatic fire. There may be restrictions on the quantity or types of ammunition purchased, with certain types prohibited. Due to the global scope of this article, detailed coverage cannot be provided on all these matters; the article will instead attempt to briefly summarize each country's weapon laws in regard to small arms use and ownership by civilians.
- ^ LaFrance, Adrienne (11 January 2016). "How 'Gun Control' Became a Taboo Phrase". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on 17 January 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
- ^ Alpers, Philip; Wilson, Marcus (9 June 2020). "Guns in the United Nations: Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy". Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2016 – via GunPolicy.org.