Lautenburg Act - Admission/Application Essay Example

of Affiliation The Lautenberg act is a Domestic Violence Amendment that was passed to help in Gun Control in matters related to domestic violence. This act was first proposed by senator Lautenberg on March 21, 1996 only to receive a strong opposition from the republicans who were greatly influenced by NRA. Later, in September 1968 the bill was enacted into law with the help of Bill Clinton, the then American president. Constituted in Section 922, Title 18, in the United States set of laws (18 USC 922), the Lautenberg Act Makes it illegal for anyone to transport, give out , trade or otherwise give away weapons or bullets to any personality having a prior knowledge that the person has been previously found guilty of a felony related to domestic violence (Joseph, 1998).

Following the enactment of this law individuals who employ force or even attempt to use deadly weapon on their close relations are convicted of domestic violence. This takes in both present and former partners, guardians and parents who threaten their victims using guns.The Lautenberg act goes further to incorporate an individual with whom the victim bore a child, any person who has ever or is cohabiting with the victim, being thought to be a partner, a guardian or parent; or by an individual who was equally positioned to a partner, guardian or parent of the said person.

Lastly, this law affects individuals who similarly pose as spouse and it includes any two individuals who reside at the same place and are relating intimately with a plan of making that place their dwelling.The enactment of the Lautenberg act meant a lot to the American citizens as it brought a new where they could enjoy a gun-controlled environment. With this act, they American citizen felt safer than any other time in their lives as the new law targeted to curb possession of gun by individuals thought to offer serious threats.

This is well detailed from the research done by justice department, which was later analyzed by the Congressional Research Service. According to this study, the new law had successfully stopped over 150000 people who had been previously convicted of domestic violence from buying guns (Wang, 2004). First, there was a reported reduction in the number of gun –linked domestic violence nationwide. With these families, especially those known to undergo serious relational problem could live without fear of losing their lives or the life of their loved ones.

Other than cases of gun –related domestic violence the American citizen enjoyed an equal reduction in cases of gang activities that involved guns. Here, individuals who had been previous convicted of felony while operating as gangs were prohibited from acquiring guns. Consequently, such people were discouraged from going back to their previous gang life after their release now that they could not purchase new guns (Wang, 2004).Finally, this law checks armed officers who have been convicted in the past of such offenses, by limiting their access to firearms and disallow their deployable for assignments that require custody of firearms and/or ammunition.

Under such provisions, the American Citizens enjoy an environment free of coup and cases of undisciplined soldiers attacking Civilians.In conclusion, the Lautenberg act marked a significant milestone in the area of domestic security as it served to ensure Citizens enjoy an environment free from gun-related violence. Although many criticisms rose over this law, the American citizens have gained a lot since its enactment.ReferencesJoseph, J. R. (1998). The Lautenberg Amendment and Its Impact on the U.S. Army. Ft. Belvoir: Defense Technical Information Center.Wang, L. G. (2004). Stalking and domestic violence: current issues.

New York: Nova Books.