Gun control, everyone has an opinion. Presidential candidates are all over the map with their ideas, as are the average gun owners and non-gun supporters in America. In light of recent tragedies in San Bernadino and Colorado the entire nation is anxious to see changes. What’s the right answer when it comes to gun control?
Here in Nevada how does one go about purchasing a gun? In a nutshell, here’s the process:
- Provide proof of identity to dealer and complete form to be used during a background check
- Brady Point of Sale (POS) program: a background check determines if you are eligible to buy a gun
- If you pass, you are authorized to purchase a gun, but depending upon where you live in the state there may be a 72-hour waiting period (in Clark County this is the case)
- Register your gun
There are several people who are not allowed to purchase a gun; those include: a convicted felon, fugitive from justice, an illegal alien, mentally ill, anyone dishonorably discharged from the military, anyone convicted for domestic violence or harassment and drug or alcohol addicts, and anyone not yet 18 years of age.
Last year UNLV surveyed registered voters about several issues on the 2016 ballot. When it comes to gun control, It found 80-percent of respondents are in favor of a universal background check requiring both parties in a private gun sale to have a background check done at a certified dealer before the transaction can happen. Currently a background check is not required in a private sale.
The full results of this study are expected to be released next month.
So now it’s your turn to be the judge. What is your stance on gun control?
Zachariah B. Parry is an attorney and founding partner at the law firm H & P and is an adjunct professor who teaches torts, contracts, and Nevada practice and procedure for UNLV’s paralegal program. He can be reached at 702-912-4451.
