What is the purpose of Penal Code Section 12021?

Penal Code Section 12021 specifically addresses the possession of firearms by individuals who have been convicted of certain felonies. This law is designed to enhance public safety by prohibiting those who have shown a disregard for the law through previous criminal activity from owning or possessing firearms. The reasoning behind this legislation is rooted in the belief that individuals with felony convictions pose a higher risk when it comes to firearm ownership, potentially leading to increased gun violence and crime.

This section lays out the criteria for which types of felony convictions would result in a prohibition against firearm possession and the consequences for violating this provision. It not only aims to keep firearms out of the hands of those deemed dangerous but also serves as a preventive measure to reduce potential gun-related offenses.

In the context of the other choices, while they pertain to firearms law, they do not directly reflect the core intent of Penal Code Section 12021. Options regarding regulating sales, self-defense, and storage respectively focus on different aspects of firearm legislation, but they do not encapsulate the specific focus on prohibiting firearm possession by convicted felons as outlined in this section.