Concealed weapon

A concealed weapon is a dangerous weapon that is hidden from view.[1] It can also be a dangerous weapon under a person's control that is not readily visible. The term is most often applied to handguns. A dangerous weapon is any weapon that can inflict death or serious injury on another person. Various jurisdictions define what a dangerous weapon is. Carrying a concealed weapon is illegal as defined by laws of many states,[2] provinces, and countries. The usual exceptions are law enforcement officers and members of the military who carry weapons as part of their jobs.[3] Many jurisdictions may issue concealed weapons permits (also called concealed carry permits) giving individuals permission to carry a concealed weapon within their jurisdiction.[4]

Concealed weapon laws

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Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) is the practice of carrying a handgun out of sight, hidden somewhere on a person's body. CCW is regulated by the states in the US. The laws vary, sometimes considerably, from state to state.[5] As of 2015, most states grant licenses to carry handguns on a "Shall-Issue" basis to qualified applicants. Shall-Issue means the jurisdiction issuing the license must issue the license to anyone who is not otherwise prevented from owning a firearm. "May-Issue" allows the jurisdiction to decide on a case-by-case basis who may be issued a license. A few states are may-issue states, while seven states allow the carrying of firearms in a concealed manner without a permit (called Constitutional-carry).

Global gun laws

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Gun laws vary considerably around the world. The larger majority of countries heavily restrict or do not allow citizens to carry firearms.

United States and Canada

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Penalties for carrying a concealed weapon in the US without a permit can vary by jurisdiction. In some cases it is a misdemeanor but more often it is considered a felony.[6] In Canada CCW is illegal but permitted under rare circumstances.[7]

Mexico

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In Mexico civilians cannot own guns since it has been illegal since 1968.[8] However, most Mexicans own guns, even fully automatic weapons.[8] In South Africa there are about 6 million licensed handgun owners.[9] There is also a very large backlog of those applying for a license.[9] Illegal guns can be easily bought off the streets. About 2,000 guns are stolen per month from licensed owners making it the largest source of illegal guns.[9]

References

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  1. ↑ "Concealed Weapons Laws & Legal Definition". US Legal.com. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  2. ↑ Carl Brown, 'Nunchucks and Throwing Stars in Your State?', Black Belt, Vo. 32, No. 8 (August 1994), pp. 80–82, 112, 144
  3. ↑ John Scheb; John Scheb, II, Criminal Law (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2012), p. 357
  4. ↑ Alice Adams, Trucking Rules and Regulations: A Reference Guide to Transportation Industry (Clifton Park, NY ; London: Thomson Delmar Learning, 2005), p. 70
  5. ↑ "Gun laws in the US: seven things you need to know about the data". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  6. ↑ Mark Theoharis. "Carrying a Concealed Weapon". NOLO. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  7. ↑ "Justice Laws Website". Canada.gov. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Ralph Weller. "Counting Mexico's Guns". GunNewsDaily.com. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Ollie John (15 February 2013). "Oscar Pistorius Shooting: How Strict Are South Africa's Gun Laws?". Time. Retrieved 18 January 2016.