Gun Laws Around the World
See how other countries keep guns in check.
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Gun Laws Around the World - In light of President Obama’s recent $500 million plan to reduce gun violence by tightening restrictions on background checks and placing bans on certain types of assault weapons, BET.com takes a look at how other countries regulate firearms. — Naeesa Aziz (Photo: REUTERS/Hans Deryk)
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Canada - We may have a lot in common with our Northern neighbors, but the right to bear arms isn’t one of them. In Canada, there is no legal right to possess firearms.Citizens must fill out an application and receive a license to own a gun. A background check is part of the application process and focuses on the applicant’s criminal, mental, addiction and domestic violence history. Proof of safety training is also required and owners must re-apply every five years. (Photo: Simon Hayter/Getty Images)
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United Kingdom - U.K. citizens also do not have a legal right to possess arms. Gun owners are required to apply for a license and must prove the reason for possessing the gun. The minimum age for gun ownership is 14 years old, and the minimum age to purchase is 17 years old. (Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
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Japan - In Japan, there is no guaranteed right to possess firearms. Japanese citizens are not allowed to possess handguns, automatic assault weapons, semi-automatic assault weapons, military rifles or machine guns. Licenses are required for ownership and background checks include criminal and mental history. (Photo: Kyodo /Landov)
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Brazil - In Brazil, there is no legal right to bear arms. Citizens are not allowed to possess automatic firearms and imitation firearms, and certain other types of firearms are only allowed by specific license. All owners must possess a license and background checks consider criminal, mental and employment records. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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