Number: 97-68
Title: Gun Ban for Persons Convicted of Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: Ex Post Facto Clause and Other Constitutional Issues
Authors: Dorothy Schrader, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report explores issues concerning the constitutionality of the gun ban on domestic violence misdemeanors, with an emphasis upon possible ex post facto clause issues. It seems likely that the new law will survive constitutional attacks as applied to persons who consummate the federal offense after the change in the law takes effect. The law may be vulnerable to an ex post facto challenge if prosecution is attempted against a person in lawful possession of a firearm before the effective date who merely continues possession of the same firearm after the effective date without any notice of the change in the law.
Pages: 10
Date: December 30, 1996