South Carolina Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Who is prohibited from possessing a firearm in South Carolina?

1. Persons under the age of 18

2. Individuals convicted of a violent felony

3. Non-citizens

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Individuals convicted of a violent felony

In South Carolina, individuals convicted of a violent felony are explicitly prohibited from possessing a firearm. This regulation is established to enhance public safety by restricting access to firearms for individuals who have demonstrated a propensity for violence through their past actions. The rationale behind this law is to mitigate the risk of further violent incidents and promote responsible firearm ownership. While there are restrictions regarding firearm possession for persons under the age of 18 and certain non-citizen statuses, these categories do not comprehensively exclude all individuals as the violent felony conviction does. Individuals under 18 may have restrictions on firearm possession, but they are not absolutely prohibited from possessing firearms in all circumstances, particularly if they are under parental supervision or have specific permissions. Similarly, non-citizens may possess firearms under certain regulations or conditions, so their status does not automatically result in a prohibition. Thus, the specific clarity of the prohibition against those convicted of violent felonies makes that option the correct answer in this context.