Firearms Law Notes - lect 12

General Housekeeping Notices

  • Lecture with John Tandy:

    • Explains how labs will run for the second half of the term.

    • Covers analytical part of the labs.

    • Provides an overview of the ballistics labs.

  • Ballistics Laboratory Manuals:

    • Will be released by the end of Friday.

    • Related to the ballistics project practical part of the module.

    • Will include updates after testing in the ballistics facility.

  • Presentation Selections:

    • Go live straight after this class today.

    • Topics are related to firearms law.

    • First come, first served basis.

    • Will go live at five to three.

Firearms Law

  • Current Firearms Act: The 1968 Firearms Act as amended.

  • Legislation:

    • The document is approximately 100 pages long.

    • Requires a 400-page guidance document for understanding.

    • Definitions evolve through case law.

Legal Definitions

  • Definitions are specific to UK firearms law.

  • Firearm Definition: Appears in section 57 of the act.

  • Key Important underlying terms need to be remembered, including their sub-definitions.

Firearm Definition (Section 57)

  • A firearm is:

    • A lethal barrelled weapon.

    • A prohibited weapon.

    • A primitive weapon.

    • A relevant component part.

    • An accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon.

Lethal Barrelled Weapon

  • Definition: A barreled weapon of any description from which a shot bullet or other missile with kinetic energy more than one joule at the muzzle of the weapon can be discharged.

  • Kinetic Energy: Calculated using the formula: KE=(1/2)∗m∗v2KE = (1/2) * m * v^2 where mm is the mass of the projectile and vv is the velocity of the projectile at the muzzle.

Prohibited Weapon

  • Definition: Encompasses various items, including firearms and other things not intuitively under a firearms act.

Relevant Component Parts

  • Include:

    • A barrel chamber or cylinder.

    • A frame body or receiver.

    • A breech block bolt or other mechanism for containing the pressure of discharge at the rear of the chamber.

  • Usability: parts must be capable of being used as part of a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon.

Accessories

  • Accessories to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon, where the accessory is designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon (sound or flash suppressors).

  • Suppressors: Suppressors or silencers are legally considered firearms and require proper certification for ownership.

Exclusion Clause

  • There is a confusing section that excludes any description of firearm from the category of firearms to which the section applies, also excluding components and accessories. The text describes this section as difficult to comprehend, even for those familiar with the law. Its specific implications are unclear, and understanding it is not deemed essential for the audience.

Ammunition Definition (Section 57)

  • Definition: Ammunition for any firearm includes grenades, bombs, and other like missiles capable of use with a firearm or not and also includes prohibited ammunition.

  • Exclusions: Does not include ingredients and components of ammunition; only assembled ammunition is accounted for under the 1968 firearms act.

  • Components of Ammunition: Cartridge case, primers, propellant, bullets. Separate components are not classified until assembled into a functional unit.

  • Net Explosive Charge: Limitations exist on the amount of explosive material one can legally own under different levels of certification.

  • Exceptions: missiles for ammunition prohibited under section five of the act (armor-piercing, explosive tipped).

Interactive Room Quiz: Are These Things Firearms?

  • Blowpipe:

    • Potentially a prohibited weapon if capable of discharging noxious substances.

    • Could be considered a decorative piece if demonstrated as such.

    • May be exempt for veterinary use with proper licensing.

  • Air Gun/CO2 Gun:

    • May not be classified under the Firearms Act if its energy output is low.

    • If it looks like a real firearm it could be an imitation firearm.

  • Taser:

    • Classified as a section five prohibited weapon.

  • OC/Captor Spray (Pepper Spray):

    • Officially a firearm if it releases a noxious substance.

    • Legality depends on the specific type and contents.

  • Roman Candle Firework:

    • Doesn't typically fall under the UK Firearms Act due to its traditional use for entertainment purposes.

    • Violations will fall under anti-social behavior acts.

  • Spud Gun/Potato Cannon:

    • Is an illegal firearm.

Legal Classification of Firearms

  • Three Main Sections:

    • Section 1: Traditional firearms.

    • Section 2: Shotguns.

    • Section 5: Prohibited weapons.

Section One Firearms

  • Ownership: Requires a firearm certificate.

  • Process: Applicant needs to have a medical check before the police decide permit to purchase/own.

  • Restriction: Law is written in the male tense.

  • Acquisition: A certificate is required in advance of acquiring a section one firearm and its ammunition.

  • Limitations: The police usually put a limitation on how much ammunition of any particular type a person can acquire.

  • Inspections: The police will do random inspections, and they will contact you and want to come and check your stores and they'll count your ammunition.

What Does Section One Apply To?

  • Applies to every firearm except:

    • A shotgun with the meaning of this act.

    • An air weapon that does not fall within section five and is not specially dangerous.

    • Non-prohibited ammunition for a firearm except cartridges containing five or more shots none of which exceeds 0.36 inches diameter ammunition for air guns or blank cartridges.

  • General ammunition that can be used, so rifle ammunition, even handgun ammunition if you have a legal handgun under section one, which is quite limited. So your general rifle ammunition is section one.

Section One Firearms Themselves:

  • Covers mostly bolt action rifles where the barrel is longer than 30cm and overall length is longer than 60cm.

  • Muzzle Loaded Guns: Do not have to adhere to the above rules.

  • Rimfire Rifles: semi-automatic and pump action mechanisms are allowed.

  • Centerfire Rifles: If it's in semi automatic, then that’s going to be a prohibited firearm.

General Housekeeping Notices

  • Lecture with John Tandy: Explains lab procedures for the term's second half.

    • Focuses on the analytical aspects of lab work.

    • Provides a thorough overview of the ballistics labs, detailing experimental setups, data collection methods, and expected analysis.

  • Ballistics Laboratory Manuals: Will be available by the end of Friday.

    • Specifically tailored for the practical component of the ballistics project.

    • Includes updates and refinements based on ongoing testing and validation in the ballistics facility to ensure accuracy and relevance.

  • Presentation Selections: Open for selection immediately after class.

    • Topics are centered on firearms law, offering a detailed examination of specific legal aspects.

    • Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness and prompt decision-making.

    • Selection process will commence at 2:55 PM.

Firearms Law

  • Current Firearms Act: The 1968 Firearms Act, with all subsequent amendments integrated.

  • Legislation: The primary legal document is around 100 pages in length.

    • Accompanied by a 400-page guidance document, essential for fully understanding its implications and applications.

    • Legal definitions are subject to interpretation and refinement through ongoing case law, adding layers of complexity.

Legal Definitions

  • Definitions: Tailored specifically to UK firearms law.

  • Firearm Definition: Defined in section 57 of the act.

  • Key Terms: Critical underlying terms and their detailed sub-definitions must be thoroughly understood.

Firearm Definition (Section 57)

  • A firearm is:

    • A lethal barrelled weapon, designed to cause serious harm or fatality.

    • A prohibited weapon, as classified under specific legal statutes.

    • A primitive weapon, reflecting historical or less technologically advanced designs.

    • A relevant component part, essential for the firearm's operation.

    • An accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon, enhancing its functionality or performance.

Lethal Barrelled Weapon

  • Definition: Any barreled device capable of discharging a shot, bullet, or projectile with kinetic energy exceeding one joule at the muzzle.

  • Kinetic Energy: Calculated using the formula: KE=(1/2)∗m∗v2KE = (1/2) * m * v^2 where mm represents the projectile's mass, and vv is its velocity at the muzzle.

Prohibited Weapon

  • Definition: A broad category including various items, not all of which are immediately identifiable as firearms, but are legally controlled due to their potential for misuse.

Relevant Component Parts

  • Include:

    • A barrel chamber or cylinder, critical for containing and directing the projectile.

    • A frame body or receiver, providing the structural support and housing for operational components.

    • A breech block bolt or other mechanism for containing the pressure during firing.

  • Usability: Parts must be adaptable for use in a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon, indicating their potential for illegal construction or modification.

Accessories

  • Accessories to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon, specifically those designed or adapted to reduce noise or flash upon firing (sound or flash suppressors).

  • Suppressors: Legally considered firearms themselves, requiring appropriate certification and adherence to strict ownership regulations.

Exclusion Clause

  • An intricate section that exempts certain firearms, components, and accessories from specific categorizations. The text acknowledges the difficulty in interpreting this section, even for legal experts, and its understanding is deemed non-essential for the general audience.

Ammunition Definition (Section 57)

  • Definition: Includes grenades, bombs, and similar projectiles usable with a firearm, along with prohibited ammunition types.

  • Exclusions: Specifically excludes individual ingredients and components; only fully assembled ammunition is regulated under the 1968 act.

  • Components of Ammunition: Includes the cartridge case, primer, propellant, and bullet. Separate handling is permitted until assembly.

  • Net Explosive Charge: Limits are imposed on the quantity of explosive materials an individual can legally possess, varying with certification levels.

  • Exceptions: Certain missiles are prohibited under section five, such as armor-piercing or explosive-tipped rounds.

Interactive Room Quiz: Are These Things Firearms?

  • Blowpipe: May be classified as a prohibited weapon if capable of launching noxious substances.

    • Can be considered a decorative item if proven to be used for decorative purposes only.

    • Exemptions may apply for veterinary applications, contingent on proper licensing and usage protocols.

  • Air Gun/CO2 Gun: Not classified under the Firearms Act if kinetic energy is below legal thresholds.

    • Could be regarded as an imitation firearm if resembling a real firearm.

  • Taser: Deemed a section five prohibited weapon.

  • OC/Captor Spray (Pepper Spray): Officially treated as a firearm if it dispenses a noxious substance.

    • Legal status varies depending on its formulation and intended use.

  • Roman Candle Firework: Typically exempt from the Firearms Act due to its traditional use for entertainment.

    • Misuse is subject to anti-social behavior legislation.

  • Spud Gun/Potato Cannon: Classified as an illegal firearm due to its projectile launching capability.

Legal Classification of Firearms

  • Three Main Sections:

    • Section 1: Pertains to traditional firearms with specific criteria.

    • Section 2: Deals with shotguns and their unique legal considerations.

    • Section 5: Covers prohibited weapons, outlining strict controls and restrictions.

Section One Firearms

  • Ownership: Mandates possession of a firearm certificate.

  • Process: Requires a thorough medical assessment before law enforcement approval for purchase or ownership.

  • Restriction: Legislation is currently drafted using male pronouns.

  • Acquisition: Certificate acquisition must precede any purchase or possession of a section one firearm and associated ammunition.

  • Limitations: Law enforcement typically sets limits on the quantity of specific ammunition types an individual can acquire.

  • Inspections: Regular, unannounced inspections are conducted by law enforcement to verify storage conditions and ammunition counts.

What Does Section One Apply To?

  • Applies to all firearms with specific exceptions:

    • Shotguns conforming to the act's definition.

    • Air weapons outside section five, not deemed specially dangerous.

    • Non-prohibited ammunition, excluding cartridges with five or more shots (each exceeding 0.36 inches), air gun ammunition, or blank cartridges.

  • Encompasses standard ammunition like rifle rounds and handgun ammunition (subject to legal handgun ownership under section one).

Section One Firearms Themselves:

  • Primarily includes bolt-action rifles with a barrel length exceeding 30cm and an overall length beyond 60cm.

  • Muzzle Loaded Guns: Exempt from the length restrictions specified above.

  • Rimfire Rifles: Allows semi-automatic and pump-action mechanisms.

  • Centerfire Rifles: Semi-automatic configurations are classified as prohibited firearms.