What is a stated reason for the Firearms Act 1968 creation?

• A. To increase penalties for all offences
• B. To deregulate ownership
• C. To regulate only handguns
• D. Individuals with serious criminal convictions cannot legally own firearms

Answer: (D)

The main idea this question tests is that the Firearms Act 1968 was created to control who can possess firearms by establishing eligibility rules, so that people deemed a risk to public safety cannot own them. A key stated aim is to keep firearms out of the hands of those with serious criminal convictions, meaning they cannot legally own firearms under the licensing framework set up by the Act.

This isn’t about simply increasing penalties across all offences, nor about deregulation, nor about regulating only handguns. The Act introduced a licensing system and rules that restrict ownership to those who meet certain criteria, including not having serious criminal convictions. By focusing on eligibility and licensing, it highlights the aim of preventing criminal activity by restricting firearm ownership to trusted individuals.