Many Federal And State Laws Address Juveniles And Guns

If passing gun laws were the answer, there would be no problem with juvenile gun violence in America. As U.S. Department of Justice research by Professors Joseph F. Sheley and James D. Wright has noted, "nearly everything juveniles do with their guns is already against the law."

Federal law:

• Prohibits possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by a person under age 18, except under certain circumstances, such as hunting or target shooting.
• Prohibits a dealer from transferring a handgun or handgun ammunition to anyone under 21 and non-dealers from transferring a handgun or handgun ammunition to anyone under 18, except under certain authorized circumstances.
• Prohibits a dealer from transferring a rifle or shotgun, or ammunition for a rifle or shotgun, to a person under age 18.
• The Gun-Free School Zones Act prohibits possession of any firearm on or within 1,000 ft. of school property.

Michigan Law:

• Prohibits selling any firearm to a minor under 18.
• Prohibits possession of a handgun by a person under age 18.
• Prohibits possession of any firearms, including BB guns, on school property.
• Prohibits possession of a even a BB gun beyond the yard of a minor`s home unless accompanied by a person over 18.
• Prohibits intentionally pointing, even without malice, any firearm at another person.
• Requires that all handguns must be registered.
• Requires a license to purchase a handgun from a dealer or private individual.
• Voids the handgun license if not used within 10 days of issuance.
• Requires theft of a gun be reported to police within 5 days after discovery.