Tanya K. Metaksa

In the following viewpoint, Tanya K. Metaksa argues that the Brady Act—which requires a background check during a waiting period before a purchaser can take possession of a handgun—has little effect on criminals who purchase handguns. Most criminals do not buy their guns from a gun dealer, she contends, and those that attempt to do so are rarely prosecuted. A better alternative to the waiting period is an instant background check, Metaksa asserts, in which law enforcement officers can be instantly dispatched to arrest those attempting to make an illegal gun purchase. Metaksa is the executive director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many illegal purchasers have been detected by the Brady Law since 1994, as cited by...