U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Gun Control and Constitutional Rights: Hearing Before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Committee on the Judiciary on the Constitutional Oversight of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on the Enforcement of the Gun Control Act of 1968, September 15, 1980

NCJ Number
158557
Date Published
1981
Length
740 pages
Annotation
This is a transcript of testimony presented at a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing called to explore the complaints that have been received from citizens regarding the manner in which the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) has been enforcing the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Abstract
The subcommittee focuses on alleged abuses of the law's enforcement provisions in terms of search and seizure, warrant procedures, privacy rights, and allegations of entrapment by the BATF. Assistant Secretary Richard Davis of the Treasury Department testifies as to overall policy and procedures of the BATF in enforcing the Gun Control Act. Citizen witnesses testify about their experiences as a result of the enforcement of the act. Other witnesses who testify on their views of the BATF's enforcement of the act are the executive director of the National Coalition to Ban Handguns, the executive director of the National Rifle Association, and a consultant to the National Rifle Association. Written statements, exhibits, and correspondence from concerned citizens regarding violations of their constitutional and civil rights are included. A 525-item bibliography is provided as well.