Title XI, subtitle A, formally known as the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, but commonly known as the Federal Assault Weapons Ban or Semiautomatic Assault Weapons Ban, barred the manufacture of 19 specific semi-automatic firearms, classified as "assault weapons" (a non-technical term), as well as any semi-automatic rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capable of accepting a detachable magazine, and which has two or more of the following features: A telescoping or folding stock, a pistol grip, a flash suppressor, a grenade launcher, and a bayonet lug.
This law also banned possession of newly-manufactured magazines holding more than ten rounds of ammunition.
This section took effect September 13, 1994, and expired because of a vote in congress and now it is, once again, legal to own or possess a military-style semi-automatic rifle and magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. This expiration occurred on September 13, 2004 through a sunset provision.
The National Rifle Association and other organizations argued that the ban was unconstitutional and violated the Second Amendment. See firearm case law.
Read more about this topic: Violent Crime Control And Law Enforcement Act
Famous quotes containing the words federal, assault and/or ban:
“The proposed Constitution ... is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal constitution; but a composition of both.”
—James Madison (1751–1836)
“The treatment of the incident of the assault upon the sailors of the Baltimore is so conciliatory and friendly that I am of the opinion that there is a good prospect that the differences growing out of that serious affair can now be adjusted upon terms satisfactory to this Government by the usual methods and without special powers from Congress.”
—Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)
“It is cruel for you to leave your daughter, so full of hope and resolve, to suffer the humiliations of disfranchisement she already feels so keenly, and which she will find more and more galling as she grows into the stronger and grander woman she is sure to be. If it were your son who for any cause was denied his right to have his opinion counted, you would compass sea and land to lift the ban from him.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)