The Arms Act : chapter 480 of the Laws of Malta : a critical analysis.

Abstract

Time flies but evolution is a matter of course. As a nation, Malta cannot run the risk of being fossilized in its little world trying to avert change. And this is exactly what instigated the winds of change when it came to promulgating a new law to manage the world of firearms and ammunition in Malta. The thesis is a first attempt at giving an extensive evaluation of the newly promulgated Arms Act (Chapter 480 of the Laws of Malta). Laws are a product of experience and it is only by indulging in the past that humanity can really understand the present. The First Chapter gives an insight of the firearm laws that governed the Maltese population during the late 19th century and the early 20th century. As a matter of fact, the 1931 Arms Ordinance was only put to rest as recently as 2006 to make way for a fresh Arms Act. Chapter Two gives a detailed explanation of the way the Arms Act is set up. An analysis is made of the structures that make up the new law and also the parameters that allow for the workings of the new law. Next, Chapter Three, highlights the personal figures that are incorporated within the Arms Act and the way they relate to each other. Chapter Four debates the issue of mitigation of punishment inflicted on the rule breakers under the law. Finally, Chapter Five is composed of my personal views and judgments on the Arms Act and my vision on the possible ways to enhance the working efficiency of the law.