Gun-Free School Zones Act

Definition

Passed in 1990, the Gun-Free School Zones Act is a federal law that prohibits any unauthorized individual from knowingly possessing a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.

Analogy

It's like having a "no pets allowed" rule in certain restaurants. Just as pets are not allowed in these places for safety and hygiene reasons, guns are also prohibited in school zones for safety purposes.

Related terms

Commerce Clause: This clause gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states. The Gun-Free School Zones Act was initially struck down because it was deemed an overreach of this power.

Zero Tolerance Policies: These are strict enforcement policies by schools against behaviors such as drug use or weapon possession. The Gun-Free School Zones Act can be seen as part of this approach on a national level.

School Safety: A broad term referring to measures taken to ensure the physical and emotional safety of students and staff at schools. This includes everything from bullying prevention programs to laws like the Gun-Free School Zones Act.