Department of Justice Seal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AG

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2000

(202) 514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888


STATEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON

U.S. COURT OF APPEALS DECISION


WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today issued a ruling in the case of N.R.A v. Reno. The Attorney General issued the following statement:

"We are pleased that the Court of Appeals has upheld the lower court's ruling that the Brady Act allows for temporary retention of data in order to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the background check system.

"The ability to audit and ensure accuracy of the Brady Act's National Instant Background Check System will make the system more effective and allow us to continue to protect individual privacy. Since the Brady Act was passed, it has kept guns out of the hands of more than 500,000 felons, fugitives, and other people prohibited by law from possessing guns.

"Today's ruling - which will allow us to continue to conduct audits that protect individual privacy, ensure system accuracy, and deter fraud by corrupt gun dealers - is a win for the safety of all Americans."

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