Issue: № 3, 2025
Doi: https://doi.org/10.37634/efp.2025.3.11
The paper conducted a scientific study of the experience of legal regulation of the right to civilian firearms under the legislation of the Czech Republic. The paper states that for the first time the right to civilian firearms in the Czech Republic was legalized in accordance with the Decree of 1852, which provided for a permit procedure for the possession, use and trade of weapons. The Decree prohibited certain types of weapons for possession, use and trade, and a permit was required for the possession, carrying and transportation of weapons (and the possession permit did not grant the right to carry weapons or transport them, for which a separate permit was required). The Decree did not clearly define the grounds for granting a permit to possess weapons, but it contained an exhaustive list of grounds for granting a permit to carry weapons. The current Law "On Weapons and Ammunition" of 2024 does not contain grounds for possession, carrying and transportation of weapons. To exercise the right to a civilian firearm, a person must obtain a license and meet the following criteria: have a place of residence in the Czech Republic, have reached the age of 15 (in some cases, 21), be fully legally capable, be fit in terms of health, not be held criminally liable for an intentional criminal offense or a criminal offense committed through negligence in connection with the handling of weapons, ammunition, ammunition or explosives, have professional qualifications for the possession and use of weapons, which are verified by professional competence testing or a commission exam. The law grants the right not only to possess weapons, but also to carry them. Weapons must be carried concealed, with certain exceptions (carrying weapons on the premises of the firearms license holder, at a shooting range or in another clearly defined area where the weapon is handled with the consent of its owner, while performing activities in a cinema or theater, reenactments of historical battles or similar events or commemorative events, training or instruction in the use of weapons, sports shooting, hunting). In such a case, the person has the right to transport an unloaded weapon to the location of the relevant event or activity.
Keywords : right to a civilian firearm; firearm license; firearm registration; notification of acquisition of a firearm; acquisition of a firearm; open carrying of a firearm
References:
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