Gun Control Laws

One of the hottest debates being waged in our country today is over gun control. Should there be more restrictions to purchasing and possessing a firearm? Should there be national restrictions which apply to the whole nation, or should any restrictions be made on a state-by-state basis? Currently, gun laws exist on a state-by-state basis, and some states have very strict gun laws, while other states do not. For example, California, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have some of the strictest gun laws. While Arkansas, Wyoming, Idaho and Texas have some of the most lenient gun laws. What is currently being discussed at the national level is raising the age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle (think AR-15 rifle) from 18 years-old to 21 years; and to limit the firearm magazine capacity to 15 rounds. Additionally, some have suggested bringing back the federal ban on assault weapons, which expired in 2004. Other suggestions, such as “red flag” laws, which allow family members or police to petition a local court for a temporary order removing the guns from a person who is deemed to be a danger to themselves or to others.