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Guam — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Guam is

2017: 20,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Guam is

2017: 11.952

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Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a Gun

In Guam, the percentage of adults living in a household with a firearm is reported to be

2001: 14.3%3

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Guam is reported to be

2006-2015: 16,6514

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered guns per 100 people in Guam is

2015: 10.292

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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

ChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,5 but in Guam there are estimated to be

2017: 3,3336 1
2006-2015: 1,6656 4

Government Guns

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Guam are reported to have 5007 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Guam, annual homicides by any means total

2019: 78
2016: 79
2015: 7
2014: 7
2013: 7
2012: 7
2011: 410
2010: 3
2009: 5
2008: 1
2007: 110 11
2006: 11
2005: 7
2004: 9
2003: 8
2002: 2
2001: 8
2000: 2

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2019: 4.188
2011: 2.448
2010: 1.84
2009: 3.07
2008: 0.62
2007: 0.62
2006: 6.9
2005: 4.4
2004: 5.7
2003: 5.1
2002: 1.3
2001: 5.1
2000: 1.3

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

In Guam, annual male homicides by any means total

2011: 2.9212

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Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Guam, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2011: 3.5912

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

In Guam, annual female homicides by any means total

2011: 112

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Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Guam, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2011: 1.3812

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Guam, annual firearm homicides total

2014: 013
2013: 2
2012: 0
2011: 11
2007: 014
2004: 6

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.002
2013: 1.25
2012: 0.00
2011: 6.89
2007: 0.00
2004: 3.80

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Handgun Homicides

ChartIn Guam, annual handgun homicides total

2014: 013
2013: 1
2012: 0
2011: 7

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Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.002
2013: 0.62
2012: 0.00
2011: 4.39

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Long Gun Homicides

ChartIn Guam, annual long gun homicides total

2014: 013
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0

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Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.002
2013: 0.00
2012: 0.00
2011: 0.00

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Gun Homicides (Other)

ChartIn Guam, annual gun homicides (other) total

2014: 013
2013: 1
2012: 0
2011: 4

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Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of gun homicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.002
2013: 0.62
2012: 0.00
2011: 2.52

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Guam is categorised as permissive15

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Guam includes the Guam Code, Chapter 60, Firearms16

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Guam are regulated by the Chief of Police, the Guam Police Department, and the Department of Public Safety17 18

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Guam, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,19 as limited by federal20 and local21 statute law

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In Guam, civilians are not allowed to possess machine and sub-machine guns, automatic rifles and any other firearm not a rifle having a barrel length of sixteen inches or greater or not a shotgun having a barrel length of eighteen inches or greater or a revolver or pistol having a barrel length of more than twelve inches22 and handgun ammunition capable of penetrating body armour17

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In Guam, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited22

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Guam, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence22 23

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Regulation of Handguns

In Guam, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence23 22

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Guam, only licensed gun owners24 25 18 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Guam are not required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, unless seeking approval for a permit to carry a concealed firearm for self-defence purposes25 26

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Guam is 18 years27

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Guam must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and medical27 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Guam, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required28

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Guam does not stipulate28 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Guam, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required28 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Guam, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every three years29

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Licensing Records

In Guam, authorities maintain a record29 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Guam are permitted to possess any number of firearms28

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in Guam are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition28

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Guam, the law requires30 29 31 4 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Guam, licensed firearm dealers are required32 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Guam, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited without registration of the transfer33 34 24

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Guam, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful35 24 33 34

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Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in Guam is obliged34 24 27 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Background Checks for Dealer Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in Guam is obliged36 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In Guam, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is limited to only those firearm types indicated on the holder's identification card29

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Guam do not include28 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Guam include37 32 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Government

Government regulations in Guam do not include28 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Guam do not include28 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Guam, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is permitted23

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Guam, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit4 26 38

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Hidden Handgun Permit May, or Shall Be Issued

In Guam, local licensing authorities "shall issue", without room for discretion,4 a hidden handgun carry permit to any non-prohibited person who applies

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Guam, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm39 is three years in prison and a $1,000 fine40 41

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Guam is not a Member State of the United Nations42

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list43 Guam as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal Profile

Link
About SDG 16

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part. SDG 16,44 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2). In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Guam, annual homicides by any means total

2019: 78
2016: 79
2015: 7
2014: 7
2013: 7
2012: 7
2011: 410
2010: 3
2009: 5
2008: 1
2007: 110 11
2006: 11
2005: 7
2004: 9
2003: 8
2002: 2
2001: 8
2000: 2

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2019: 4.188
2011: 2.448
2010: 1.84
2009: 3.07
2008: 0.62
2007: 0.62
2006: 6.9
2005: 4.4
2004: 5.7
2003: 5.1
2002: 1.3
2001: 5.1
2000: 1.3

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

In Guam, annual male homicides by any means total

2011: 2.9212

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Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Guam, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2011: 3.5912

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

In Guam, annual female homicides by any means total

2011: 112

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Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Guam, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2011: 1.3812

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Guam, annual firearm homicides total

2014: 013
2013: 2
2012: 0
2011: 11
2007: 014
2004: 6

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Guam, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.002
2013: 1.25
2012: 0.00
2011: 6.89
2007: 0.00
2004: 3.80

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In Guam, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law45

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Firearm Tracing

In Guam, state authorities carry out46 47 48 49 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In Guam, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally28 recorded in a register

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where Guam ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Guam on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation

2.

GunPolicy.org.2016.‘Calculated Rates - Guam.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,8 March. (Q4339)Full Citation

3.

North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.2002.‘Question: Are any firearms now kept in or around your home? Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle.’ BRFSS Survey Results 2001 for Nationwide.Atlanta, GA:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System / BRFSS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,2 September. (Q8391)Full Citation

4.

Sabrina Lynn S Monteverde. 2016. ‘Concealed Licenses, Firearm Registrations on the Rise.’ Pacific Daily News (Guam). 6 March. (N447) Full Citation

5.

GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation

6.

GunPolicy.org. 2016. ‘Number of Privately Owned Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 12 December. (G1) Full Citation

7.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2020.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ dataunodc.un.org (web site).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q13355)Full Citation

9.

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.2018.‘GBD Results Tool.’ Global Health Data Exchange.Seattle WA:University of Washington,8 August. (Q13503)Full Citation

10.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Guam.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10352)Full Citation

11.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Guam.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6237)Full Citation

12.

UNODC.2017.‘Intentional Homicide Victims by Sex.’ Crime and Drugs Data.Vienna:UNODC,19 May. (Q13356)Full Citation

13.

FBI.2019.‘Crime in the United States / CIUS.’ Uniform Crime Reports / UCR.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation,1 September. (Q1978)Full Citation

14.

CDC.2017.‘Injury Mortality Reports 1999 and Onwards (USA).’ Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System / CDC WISQARS.Atlanta:National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,20 December. (Q1377)Full Citation

15.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

16.

Guam.2003.‘Guiding Legislation.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q1502)Full Citation

17.

Guam.2003.‘Definitions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q772)Full Citation

18.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card Required.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q749)Full Citation

19.

USA.1791.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington, DC:Congress of the United States of America,15 December. (Q1954)Full Citation

20.

Scalia, J.2008.‘District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.’ Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Washington, DC:Supreme Court of the United States,26 June. (Q8502)Full Citation

21.

Guam.2003.‘Firearms.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q8503)Full Citation

22.

Guam.2003.‘Ownership, Etc., of Certain Firearms Prohibited.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q754)Full Citation

23.

Guam.2003.‘Ownership, Etc., Permitted.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q753)Full Citation

24.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card - Possession.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q748)Full Citation

25.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card - Restrictions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q746)Full Citation

26.

Guam.2003.‘Concealed Firearms.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q747)Full Citation

27.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card - Restrictions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q752)Full Citation

28.

Guam.2003.‘Firearm Legislation.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q4141)Full Citation

29.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card: Contents.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q751)Full Citation

30.

Guam.2003.‘Registration.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q759)Full Citation

31.

Guam.2003.‘Registration of Prohibited Firearms.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q755)Full Citation

32.

Guam.2003.‘Conduct of Dealer's Business.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q765)Full Citation

33.

Guam.2003.‘Transfer of Firearm: Private.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q761)Full Citation

34.

Guam.2003.‘Private Sale or Transfer.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q762)Full Citation

35.

Guam.2003.‘Dealer: Register: Dealer, etc., must register.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q763)Full Citation

36.

USA.2007.‘Identify Groups and Individuals Associated with Illicit SALW Activities.’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,17 July. (Q1592)Full Citation

37.

Guam.2003.‘Conduct of Dealer's Business.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q757)Full Citation

38.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card - Restrictions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q756)Full Citation

39.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

40.

Guam.2003.‘Prohibitions and Penalties.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q769)Full Citation

41.

Guam.2003.‘Ownership, Etc., of Certain Firearms Prohibited.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q767)Full Citation

42.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

43.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation

44.

United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation

45.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card - Possession.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 - Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q766)Full Citation

46.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1588)Full Citation

47.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1590)Full Citation

48.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Marking and Tracing.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:UN Development Programme / UNDP, UN Institute for Disarmament Research / UNIDIR, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs / UNODA, Small Arms Survey,1 November. (Q1977)Full Citation

49.

Wintemute, G J.2009.‘Introduction.’ Disproportionate Sales of Crime Guns Among Licensed Handgun Retailers in the United States: A Case-Control Study.London:BMJ Journals: Injury Prevention,5 October. (Q1979)Full Citation