BRADY HANDGUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT Meaning and
Definition
-
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, also known as the Brady Act, is a federal law implemented in the United States in 1994 with the aim to reduce gun violence by establishing a background check system for firearm purchases. This legislation is named after James Brady, the press secretary to President Ronald Reagan, who was severely injured during an assassination attempt on the President in 1981.
The Act mandates that federally licensed firearms dealers conduct a background check before selling a firearm to an individual. This background check involves verifying the potential buyer's criminal history, mental health records, and other relevant information to assess whether he or she is eligible to purchase a gun. Initially, this check was conducted by phone through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), but it eventually transitioned to an online platform.
In addition to the background check provision, the Brady Act imposes a mandatory waiting period of up to five business days for gun purchases, providing time for thorough background checks to be completed. However, this waiting period was later replaced by the "instant check" system, allowing firearms dealers to obtain immediate approval or denial for a sale.
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act has been instrumental in preventing firearms from being purchased by individuals with criminal records or history of mental illness. It has played a significant role in promoting public safety, reducing gun violence, and ensuring responsible gun ownership.
