NCJ Number
99957
Date Published
1985
Length
101 pages
Annotation
These papers from a 1985 seminar on gun control, sponsored by the Institute of Criminology of the Sydney University Law School (Australia), focus on the pros and cons of 1985 amendments to the New South Wales Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Act of 1973.
Abstract
The amendments provide for the registration of all firearms, the extension and rationalization of shooters' licensing provisions, a permit to purchase a longarm based upon good cause for firearm ownership, and stringent new penalties for violations of the act. Proponents of the amendments argue that they increase public protection from firearms misuse while allowing persons the right to possess and use firearms for lawful purposes. A paper supporting the amendments presents data to show the increase in the number of crimes committed with firearms in New South Wales from 1974 through 1984. Favorable impacts of gun control legislation in other jurisdictions are also cited. Opponents of the amendments argue that they are not cost-effective and unduly restrict the rights of persons who wish to own guns for personal protection and sporting uses. They favor stiffer penalties for crimes committed with firearms.