Right to bear arms by a convicted felon



Introduction

Carrying a fire arm is a serious issue in any part of the world. Even in United States of America, there are strict laws and regulations regarding possession and permit to carry a fire arm. However, the extent of rigidness that the states possess, when issuing a gun tend to differ from state to state. Moreover, if a person is a formerly convicted felon, then the rules tend to change a bit and it becomes equally difficult for him or her to seek and obtain the permission to carry a fire arm. The following paper highlights the key details of a convicted felon and engages in an in depth discussion regarding the policies involved for a convicted felon to carry a gun. (Ncga.state.nc.us. 2011)

Discussion

A convicted felon

According to the United States Constitution, a felony can be defined as a crime that is solemn enough to be punished either by serving a term in the state or the federal prison or by death. This usually involves crimes bearing a term as minimum as one year in county jail or sometimes even more in the state prison. According to the United States, such felonies are also termed as “high crimes” based on the extent or degree of misdemeanor. (Ncga.state.nc.us. 2011)

Subsequently, any person male or female who is convicted in the court of law for a felony crime is termed as a felon. Some of the most common forms of felony experienced within the soil of United States include rape, assault, robbery, arson, murder, burglary or even vandalism of federal property. (Ncga.state.nc.us. 2011)

The gun control act

As the name suggests, the gun control act is primarily responsible for the possession of various different fire arms by the people. This act not only identifies and states the types of firearms that can be owned by a United States Citizen but also specifies the certain categories of people who are prohibited from owning fire arms. An individual is said to be eligible to own a fire arm if they have a permit, if not then they must undergo a detailed background check before being eligible to own a gun. Moreover, if an individual wants to carry around a weapon where ever they go then they must opt for a separate permit that would allow them to carry a fire arm with them at all times or wherever they please. (Minnesota Firearms Laws, 1999)

Rights of a convicted felon

Once a person is convicted for felony in United States of America, he or she, regardless of their gender, race or ethnicity loose certain rights. The three main prevailing losses include disenfranchisement, exclusion from jury duties and the right to own or possess a fire arm.

In United States of America, felony disenfranchisement simply refers to loosing the right to vote. However, the legal right and ability of a convicted felon varies from state to state, where some states tend to permit convicted felons to vote while in prison, whereas other states impose a ...