Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Which of the following individuals is prohibited from possessing firearms in Maryland?

1. A person convicted of a violent crime

2. A person who has been hospitalized for mental illness

3. A person with a protective order against them

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The correct answer is that all of the individuals mentioned are prohibited from possessing firearms in Maryland. In Maryland, the law establishes several categories of individuals who are not allowed to possess firearms due to concerns about public safety. A person convicted of a violent crime falls under a category where firearms possession is heavily restricted. This is based on the understanding that individuals who have committed violent offenses may pose a greater risk to themselves and others if they were to possess firearms. Similarly, a person who has been hospitalized for mental illness is also restricted from firearm possession. The rationale here is to ensure that individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others due to their mental health history are not able to access lethal means. Furthermore, individuals with a protective order against them are prohibited from possessing firearms because the presence of a protective order indicates a judicial determination that the individual poses a threat to someone, which represents a significant risk when it comes to firearm possession. Therefore, all the scenarios presented point to valid and significant reasons for the prohibition, which is reflected in the correct answer.