Have You Ever Owned a Gun?

That seems like a strange question on a job application.

Thanks to Eugene Volokh for this item. It is from Nassau County (N.Y.). It appears that Assistant D.A.'s are Barred from Possessing Handguns: A reader of "The Volokh Conspiracy" pointed him to this seemingly odd policy:

[A]ssistant district attorneys are not permitted to apply for a handgun permit nor own or possess a handgun while employed by the Nassau County District Attorney. Any exception to this policy must be in writing and approved by the District Attorney.

And, looking at the job application, which question doesn't seem to fit?

1. Have you ever used, sold, or given away any illegal drugs?
   
2. Are you, or have you ever been, delinquent with respect to the filing of federal or state income tax returns?
   
3. Have you ever had a license to possess a firearm in this state or any other state?
   
4. Have you ever gambled illegally?
   
5. Have you ever been terminated from any employment?
   
6. Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?
   
7. Have you been convicted of any traffic violations?
   
8. Has any state ever suspended or revoked your driver’s license?
   
9. Have you ever declared bankruptcy?

If you didn't pick "3" you haven't yet accepted the US Supreme Court ruling on the Second Amendment.

I guess that the balancing comment is that this is New York State, with its draconian Sullivan Law.

Regards -- Cliff