Mississippi Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Under Mississippi law, what is considered brandishing?

1. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit

2. Displaying a firearm in a threatening manner not in self-defense

3. Shooting a firearm within city limits

4. Hunting without a license

The correct answer is: Displaying a firearm in a threatening manner not in self-defense

The correct answer identifies brandishing as displaying a firearm in a threatening manner that is not in self-defense. In Mississippi, brandishing involves any action that indicates an intention to use a firearm to intimidate others or instill fear, with a clear distinction that it does not arise from a defensive situation. This definition is critical because it underscores the legal boundaries of firearm use. The law protects individuals' rights to bear arms, but it also emphasizes responsible behavior around the display of firearms. Showing a firearm without a justifiable reason, especially in a threatening context, can lead to legal repercussions, as it may be perceived as a means of intimidation rather than a legitimate act of self-defense. Other options, while they involve firearms, do not fit the legal definition of brandishing. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is a separate legal issue that pertains to licensing and carrying practices. Shooting a firearm within city limits typically relates to noise ordinances and public safety regulations rather than the act of brandishing. Hunting without a license pertains to wildlife laws and regulations, not the manner in which a firearm is displayed. Hence, the recognition of brandishing focuses specifically on how a firearm is presented in a context meant to threaten rather than to defend.