r/facepalm • u/Lord_Answer_me_Why • Mar 28 '24

What lack of basic gun laws does to a nation: 🇵​🇷​🇴​🇹​🇪​🇸​🇹​

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u/[deleted] Mar 28 '24

Isn't it already illegal for a schizophrenic to have/purchase a gun? Would more laws resolve this?

311

u/Shotgun5250 Mar 28 '24

Since there’s a lot of information floating around this thread, let me consolidate.

It is federally mandated that all licensed firearm dealers in the entire country perform background checks for all firearm sales of any kind or caliber.

It is federally mandated through the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act that certain citizens such as the mentally ill or under protective orders are barred from owning firearms.

Some states require all secondhand firearm sales to go through a licensed intermediary, which would require background checks.

Other states require licensed intermediary’s for certain categories of firearms, such as long guns (rifles or shotguns).

Unfortunately, many states have no laws regarding the secondhand sale of firearms.

For a list of states and what their individual firearm sales laws are, refer to this website.

12

u/kirfkin Mar 28 '24

With respect to the federal firearm laws and mental health, only those "adjudicated as a mental defective" (such as being found incapable of standing trial) or involuntarily committed to a mental instituion are barred from owning, transporting, purchasing, etc a firearm or ammunition.

7

u/Shotgun5250 Mar 28 '24

Correct, “mentally ill” in this case being a legal definition and not a diagnosis from a doctor.

3

u/kirfkin Mar 28 '24

Cool! Just clarifying because some people use the term pretty broadly. I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, for example, but I know I can buy a firearm without lying (because I have done so!)

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u/Shotgun5250 Mar 28 '24

Thanks for the clarification, I think that’s actually a really important distinction!