In Australia, which has seen a growing number of swords used in street brawls and the like — including katanas and machetes — the answer seems to be simple: ban swords. Period.
From July, anyone found possessing or selling a sword without a permit will face up to six months’ jail and fines of up to $12,000.
Existing sword owners must surrender their weapons to police, sell them to a licensed dealer or apply to the Chief Commissioner for specific approval.
Collectors and people with legitimate cultural, religious or military reasons to own swords will be exempted from the ban, but must store them under lock and key and have a burglar alarm.
[…] The new laws will make it illegal to sell swords to anyone who does not have a permit. Sword sellers will have to keep a register of buyers’ details and make it available for police to inspect.
Mr Haermeyer said groups such as highland dancers, historic re-enactment groups, bonafide collectors and people with family heirlooms could apply for an exemption from the licensing services branch of Victoria Police.
“Legitimate sword owners understand the importance of ensuring that their swords do not fall into the wrong hands,” he said. “The vast majority of the community would say, ‘Look, there’s no place for people just being able to go out there and buy these things and carry them around the street’.”
I’m pretty certain we have the sword problem taken here of here in the States, largely by preventing people from carrying around swords in public. I suppose it’s easier just to out-and-out ban them, though, unless you get special permission and have them all registered and stuff.
As someone who actually owns a sword, it’s kind of funny to think of it as illegal contraband.
Gonna make things a lot more difficult for Duncan MacLeod, though, katana-space jacket or not.
(via Volokh)
Geez! So much for Rennies and their blades, eh?
Well, there’s an exception for “historic re-enactment groups” mentioned above — if you apply for an exception with the local police, and it’s granted, and you keep your sword locked up and alarmed. Of course, to get a sword you’ll have to apply for a permit beforehand, then buy one from a licensed dealer, who will have to register the sale when you buy it. No word on whether there will be a waiting period …
Of course, given we’re talking about swords, it gives a whole new meaning to the idea of forged permits …
I’m wondering if the Aussies are going through the same “shall issue” vs “can issue” arguments that Colorado just went through?
It’s interesting, I’ve always thought the NRA was a group of somewhat high-strung, kooky folks. After reading this, I think there arguments of the gradual loss of rights has some validity.
In the case of Rennies, their swords don’t actually have an edge on them(I know, I’m one of THEM.) But even so, a blunt edge sword can still break bones and do some nerve damage if wielded properly.
Of course, it appears that in Guam the oft-cited “My hands are registered as deadly weapons!” line is actually a true legal requirement. No word yet on confiscation if they’re not kept locked up.