Back to the OP, I find zero tolerance laws to be inefficient in dealing with any issue.
That being said, I could easily get behind stricter penalties for parents when children get their hands on loaded firearms. If you allow a four year old to kill himself because he was able to access your gun, you should be held criminally responsible for it. Your loaded gun is your responsibility.
I have a four and two year old. Children that age are too young to trust no matter who you are and what you think you have taught them. My two year old, for example, would probably find a way to fire a chambered pistol if he got his hands on it. It is my responsibility to ensure that does not happen.
That being said, I could easily get behind stricter penalties for parents when children get their hands on loaded firearms. If you allow a four year old to kill himself because he was able to access your gun, you should be held criminally responsible for it. Your loaded gun is your responsibility.
I have a four and two year old. Children that age are too young to trust no matter who you are and what you think you have taught them. My two year old, for example, would probably find a way to fire a chambered pistol if he got his hands on it. It is my responsibility to ensure that does not happen.