The Arizona assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has focused attention on U.S. gun laws, which are among the most permissive in the developed world. Here are some of the key federal and state laws:
* CONSTITUTION:: The Supreme Court in a key ruling in 2008 supported the right of individual Americans to own guns for self defense. Gun owners, represented by the powerful National Rifle Association, have jealously guarded this right and opposed any proposed law they see as diluting it.