On Monday, the US Supreme Court takes up a case regarding whether or not a student was allowed to resell textbooks that he purchased overseas. While that is technically against the law, because of the overseas part, the ruling may also affect the First Sale Doctrine. Do you actually own items that you purchase?

Granted, this is textbooks, but this can also be a problem for music. When you buy a CD that was manufactured overseas, according to US law technically you are never allowed to resell it without permission. Not on eBay, not at a used record shop, not at a garage sale, not anywhere. And since many of us US buyers buy a lot of CDs that are simply not available in the US, that would pose an issue.

Which takes precedence - the law that says you can't resell items purchased outside the US, or the law that says once you buy an item it's yours and you can do with it what you want?

This one needs some links to make any sense. Provide them, please.

what's the law in the US on this when it comes to guns?
if I don't want a waiting period or a licence or anything, can I just get a second-hand gun somewhere anonymously (ebay, pawn shop, etc.)? or are there laws comparable to 'not to be exported' telling you what you can and can't do with your own gun?

You can't buy guns on eBay and a pawn shop will perform a background check. Only second hand guns sold by private individuals who are not in the business of selling guns can sell one without a background check and they are prohibited from selling to you if they have reason to believe you may be prohibited from owning a firearm (say you happen to tell him you just got out of prison for murder). Check out the gunshow "loophole".

cheers.

google suggests that the loophole may be a myth?