Delaware Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What is the legal definition of a prohibited person in Delaware gun law?

1. Anyone under the age of 18

2. Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor

3. Anyone not a resident of Delaware

4. Anyone convicted of a felony

The correct answer is: Anyone convicted of a felony

In Delaware gun law, a prohibited person is defined as someone who cannot legally possess firearms due to specific legal stipulations. One primary criterion for being designated as a prohibited person is a felony conviction. This is because individuals who have been convicted of felonies are seen as having a higher risk associated with firearm ownership, given the nature of the offenses that resulted in their felony status. This legal framework is intended to help maintain public safety by restricting access to firearms for those who have demonstrated behavior that poses a potential danger. Thus, a felony conviction effectively disqualifies an individual from legally owning or possessing firearms in Delaware. The other options reflect misunderstandings of the legal definitions related to prohibited persons. For example, being under the age of 18 does not automatically prevent a person from being a prohibited person in the context of gun ownership, as minors typically do not have the legal capacity to own firearms but may be subject to other regulations. Similarly, misdemeanor convictions, while potentially influencing an individual's eligibility, do not result in the same automatic prohibition as felonies. Lastly, residency status alone does not determine eligibility; individuals who are not residents of Delaware may face different legal standards, but this does not specifically categorize them as prohibited persons under Delaware law.