FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1995                          (202) 616-2777
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

                                 
       STATEMENT ON BRADY ACT DECISION IN THE NINTH CIRCUIT


This is a complete victory for the government, and a victory for
sensible constraints on the purchase of handguns.

The Court of Appeals rejected the notion that the Tenth Amendment
prohibits the federal government from enlisting the cooperation
of states in keeping pistols and revolvers out of the hands of
dangerous people. 

The law has worked well and without imposing an undue burden.  It
has received overwhelming support in the law enforcment
community.  

We believe the wisdom of background checks is beyond question.
We are confident that the courts will continue to uphold
reasonable efforts to ensure the public safety.

                               ###
95-475