takeaim a visual compendium of the united states gun control situation
takeaim a visual compendium of the united states gun control situation
2 4
executive summary
39
the current laws a look outside federal law
key terms
state law pa state profile
7
top ten strange gun laws
the state of the union
51
the current debate
defining the black market
the 2 nd amendment timeline
the black market
ten - second guns
interstate gun trafficking how they get away with it ?
the top five assault weapons police reports accidental deaths crime and guns gun availability
61
guns at school
law enforcement
percentage of guns guns and women
background checks
police and guns
gun shows permits for handguns lost or stolen guns
70
analysis
table of contents
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
executive summary
The issue of gun control
solution to prevent it. Pro Gun Control advocates argue
is derived from and
predominantly outside of the term “violence”, mainly
fueled by the high rate
focusing on anecdotal evidence of “gun availability.” Anti
of gun violence in the
Gun Control advocates, adversely, focus on the term of
United States. The term
“defense”. Both parties, however, predominantly target
“gun violence”, however,
federal law. Unfortunately, gun regulation under federal
must be analyzed,
law has proven to do little to effect rates of gun violence
before resolving on a
in the country. This is due to a high rate of variability in gun control laws on a state level—resulting, more or less—in a state-driven firearms black market.
2
introduction
As a result of this, the most effective way to implement gun control lies in attacking two fronts: the nature of violence, and the state-regulated availability of guns. Since ‘violence’ is ultimately broken down into desire, ability, and feasibility, effective gun control must include attacks on these incentives, and more importantly, at a local level. The control of guns is an isolated problem, with factors changing in each community, and as such is most effectively enforced on a local level.
3
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
key terms at f
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
tt c
Time-to-Crime; a measure of the time between a gun’s initial retail sale and its recovery in a crime – and according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a crime gun with a TTC of less than two years (a “short TTC”) is more likely to have been illegally trafficked.
ffl
Term referring to “Federal Firearm Licensees”, refers to guns that were originally sold by licensed gun dealers.
st r aw p u rc h as i n g
ccp
i n s u r r e c t i o n a ry
v i o l e n t c r i m e c o n t ro l ac t vpc
b r a dy l aw
cap
m ag a z i n e k i t c h e n ta b l e
as s au lt w e a p o n
s at u r day n i g h t s p e c i a l
4
The act of purchasing a gun under the statement that the buyer themselves will possess the gun, while in reality the gun is being passed to secondary owners. Term referring to “Concealed Carry Permits”; Personal permits that allow citizens to carry concealed weapons. States may grant local law enforcement the right to use discretion in granting CCPs, or default to the issuing of CCPs under federal guidelines. A violent uprising against an authority or government. Prohibits possession of a gun by anyone subject to such a restraining order Violence Policy Center; exposed the many problems generated by insufficient federal and state oversight of federally licensed firearms dealers. A federal law that requires federally licensed dealers to perform background checks on gun purchasers. Child Access Protection Laws; Laws that require adults either to store loaded guns in a place where children reasonable cannot get to them or to use a device to lock that gun so children cannot access them. An ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. Individuals who conduct business out of their homes and offices and do not operate actual gun or sport-goods store. “Assault weapon” is an invented term. In the firearm lexicon, there is no such thing as an “assault weapon.” The closest relative is the “assault rifle,” which is a machine gun or “select fire” rifle that fires rifle cartridges. In most cases, “assault weapons” are functionally identical to hunting rifles, though cosmetically similar to military guns. Saturday night special is a cheap handgun of small caliber which can be easily concealed. Numerous arms manufacturers make guns which could be considered saturday night specials. Saturday night specials are very easy to obtain.
introduction
common proponent phrases
common opponent phrases
crime kill safer gun at home family murderers protection weapon of choice taxes militia purpose easy availability limited should be liable banned eliminate guns can’t be trusted threatens propaganda gun-lobby court decision
Amendment the right reduce crime Brady Law target shooting safer government enormous responsiblity average resisting timely protection Saturday night special weapon of choice better for home defense law-abiding citizens militia purpose self-defense responisible for how it’s used demand no fatalities advertisments obey the law collective rights
5
“
the totalitarian states can do great things , but there is one thing they cannot do : they cannot give the factory worker a rifle and tell him to take it home and keep it in his bedroom .
that rifle , hanging on the wall of the working class flat or laborer ’ s cottage , is the symbol of democracy .
it is our job to see that it stays there .
george orwell
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
THE STATE OF THE UNION chapter 4
7
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
8
p ro g u n c o n t ro l
a n t i g u n c o n t ro l
The main argument of gun control activists centers around the belief that guns are a source of crime and must be banned. They maintain that the only function of a gun is to kill. The more instruments of death can be removed from society, the safer it will be. They also argue that the legal ownership of guns by law abiding citizens inevitably leads to many unnecessary and tragic deaths. Gun control advocates argue that legally held guns are stolen and end up in the hands of criminals, who would have greater difficulty in obtaining such weapons if firearms were less prevalent, as well as in the hands of children, leading to tragic accidents and terrible disasters such as the Columbine High School massacre. Supporters of gun control believe that shooting as a sport desensitises people to the lethal nature of all firearms, creating a gun culture that glamorises and legitimises unnecessary gun ownership. In response to the argument of self defense, the gun control community asserts that vigilante killings are inexcusable. Perversely, they propose, the danger of attack by homeowners may make it more likely that criminals will carry their own weapons. If a right to self-defence is granted in this way, many accidental deaths are bound to result. The correlation between the laxity of the country’s gun laws and its suicide rate, advocates argue, is inseparable. In the U.S., a means of quick and effective suicide is easily to hand. Ultimately, they assert that the state should discourage and restrict the ownership of something that wastes so many human lives.
The pro gun community, adversely, states vehementle that prohibition is not the answer, especially not in countries such as the U.S. where gun ownership is such an entrenched aspect of society. Banning guns would not make them disappear or make them any less dangerous. It is a legitimate right of citizens to own weapons with which to protect themselves, their family, and their property. One of the most powerful arguments of anti gun control advocates is that guns don’t kill people – people kill people. Restricting gun ownership will do nothing to make society safer as it is the intent of the criminal we should fear, and that will remain the same whatever the gun laws. In the vast majority of crimes involving firearms, the gun used is not legally held or registered. Many of these illegal weapons are imported secretly from abroad, rather than being stolen from registered owners. The gun community defends their right to continue in the leisure of shooting as a sport, on which they have spent large amounts of money – an investment, they argue, the government would effectively be confiscating if their guns were confiscated. Another popular argument lies in self-protection. Many beieve that law-abiding citizens deserve the right to protect their families in their own homes, especially if the police are judged incapable of dealing with the threat of attack. Would-be rapists and armed burglars, they maintain, ‘will think twice before attempting to break into any house where the owners may keep firearms for self-defense.’ The coup d’etat of gun advocates lies in the 2nd Ammendement, which states, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary top the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” They ultimately believe that a country is much more able to defend itself from aggression if its citizens are able to use guns; and, of course, such widespread ownership of weapons is a safeguard against domestic tyranny.
the current debate
m i t i g at i n g t h e t h r e at o f gun violence requires ac t i o n ; t h e q u e st i o n i s w h at k i n d . w i l l m o r e o r less guns affect the s a f e ty a n d p rov i d e f o r the freedom of the american people, or is the real issue being missed e n t i r e ly ?
9
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“a
well regulated militia , being necessary to the
security of a free state , the right of the people to keep and bear arms , shall not be infringed .”
the 2 n d amendment • Established in 1791 by the Founding Fathers. James Madison took credit for drafting the U.S Bill of Rights as we see it today. • Pennsylvania was considered the first state to adopt to this Amendment. • 20th century invention made up by anti-gun academics and pressure groups determined to disarm ordinary Americans and thereby grant government individuals a firearm monopoly. “Gun control has never been about the elimination of guns, but about who will control them.” • The National Rifle Association contributes there spending’s on the idea that the Bill of Rights will promise all individuals a right to own a gun, in which it also gives us the freedom of speech, assembly and religion. • The NRA supports programs and legislation which keeps guns from criminals, but doesn’t infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens. • The language and history of the 2nd Amendment shows that its subject matter was not individual rights, but rather the distribuation of military power in society between the states and the federal government. • In any event, the amendment’s central purpose is not to justify revolution but to assure that Americans would retain the right of self-defense rather than becoming abjectly dependent on the state to defend them against crime.
10
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
1971
1791
Second Amendment Ratified
1822
Bliss v. Commonwealth Brings ‘Individual Right’ Into Question
1856
Dred Scott v. Sandford Upholds individual Right
1871
NRA Founded
1934
National Firearms Act brings About First Major Gun Control
1938
Federal Firearms Act Requires License for Dealers
1968
Gun Control Act Ushers In New Regulations
1994
Brady Act and Assault Weapons Ban
2004
Assault Weapons Ban Sunsets
2008
D.C. v. Heller is a Major Setback for Gun Control
2010
Gun Owners Score Another Victory in McDonald v. Chicago
2010
11
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
1934
National Firearms Act The first federal law that attempted to screen who purchases automatic firearms
1986
Firearms Owners Protection Act
1968
1791
Gun Control Act
Second Amendment Ratified
Assassination of JFK, consiquently mail order sales of guns were outlawed. Also further restricted shotgun and rifles sales
GUN CONTROL TIMELINE
1971
1972
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms created
1871
National Rifle Association Founded
1990
Crime Control Act Bans manufacturing and importing semiautomatic assualt weapons in the US
1938
Federal Firearms Act
12
Required all firearms dealers to obtain a FFL and also prohibited limitations on selling ordinary firearms
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
1998
Buyback plan President Clinton annouces that the instant background chec system had prevented 400,000 illegal gun purchases.
2007
Virginia Tech 33 killed 15 injured Some critical condition
1994
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act Bans all sales, manufacture, importation, or possession of a number of specific types of assault weapons
2000
Million Mom March
2011
Tuscan Shooting
A demonstration for “common sense� gun control laws
Congress Cliffords Shot. 6 Killed 12 injured
2011
2006
Gunman goes on a rampage at an Amish school in PA 3 Killed
1994
Brady handgun Violence Prevention Act Purchases of handguns require 5-day background checks
2008 1999
The US Supreme Court rules that Americans have a right to own guns for self defense and hunting.
Columbine Two teenagers kills 12 students and teacher at Columbine High School, fuelling a new campaign on gun control
13
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
There are at least
50,600,000 holds.
f i r e a r m ow n i n g h o u s e -
40% o f w h o m ow n h a n d g u n s .
14
The U.S. has 90 guns for every 100 citizens, the highest rate in the world.
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
as the population
u . s . p o p u l at i o n as o f 2009 : 307,006,550
of the united states rapidly increases , so does the number of firearms . but
how many are there , exactly , in ratio to
our 300,000,000 u . s . citizens ? and what kind are the most popular ?
15
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
On any given day, 1 million American civilians are carrying guns. About 2 million more keep guns in their vehicles. Amongst those 3 million guns, on any given day, only 12% are believed to be registered. And amongst those unregestiered guns, 450,000 a year are used to commit a crime.
A GUN IS MADE EVERY These guns participate in 67% of the 14 murders, 48 rapes, and 578 robberies committed daily by paroled prisoners.
16
o f t h e 88% o f u n r e g i st e r e d g u n s ...
12% Were purchased at a a retail store or gun shop.
88% of all civilian guns are unregistered.
10 SECONDS
12% of civilian guns are registered.
2% Were purchased at a market or gun show.
80% Were procured by family, friends, or other illegal sources.
17
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
1
smith and wesson
.38
r e vo lv e r
THE TOP FIVE These five firearms consitute the majority of crime guns used in the United States.
18
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
2 3 4 5
ruger
9mm
lo rc i n
380
s e m i au to m at i c
r av e n s
.25
s e m i au to m at i c
r av e n s
.25
s e m i au to m at i c
Firearms are the instrument of 67.1 percent of all muders. 47.32 percent are committed with a handgun, 3.07 percent with a shotgun, and 14.14 percent with any number of unknown firearms. The guns pictured on the left are the top five most oftenly recovered crime guns. What makes these guns so dangerous is that they are statistically preferable for violent misdemeanants, who in thirty-seven states are allowed to purchase handguns barring a domestic violence history.
19
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
th o
m a
s
20
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“Th
je
ff
er
so
e eb
of a ut y
th e Se
cond Amendment is that it wi
ll not
be n
e ed
ed
un
til t
he yt ry
to
ta
ke
it.�
n
21
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
22
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
ASSAULT WEAPONS criminals are as likely to carry single shot handguns as they are to carry
“ assault
weapons .”
23
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“ assault non - problem
police reports show that weapons ” are a
San Francisco: In 1998, only 2.2% of confiscated weapons were “assault weapons.”
B e tw e e n 1980 a n d 1994, o n ly 2% o f c o n f i s c at e d g u n s w e r e “ as s au lt w e a p o n s .” J u st
u n d e r 2% o f c r i m i n a l s t h at c o m m i t v i o l e n t c r i m e s u s e d “ as s au lt w e a p o n s .”
Los Angeles: In 1998, of 538 documented gun incidents, only one (0.2%) involved an “assault weapon.”
San Diego: Between 1988 and 1990, only 0.3% of confiscated weapons were “assault weapons.”
24
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
only
8%
of criminals
use anything that is classified
( even
incorrectly ) as an
“ assault
weapon ,”
though less than
1%
1.39% of the models of firearms in the market were covered by the ban, so the ban’s effectiveness is automatically limited.
The ban has failed to reduce the average number of victims per gun murder incident or multiple gunshot wound victims.
claimed to use
these firearms when committing crimes .
In 1994, before the Federal “assault weapons ban,” you were eleven time more likely to be beaten to death than to be killed by an “assault weapon.”
25
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
accidental deaths
In 2001, there were only
ing in a pool is nearly 100
cidental firearm deaths.
which are more deadly.
65 accidental gun deaths
times higher than from a
This translates into 1 in
These are typically hunt-
for children under age 13.
firearm-related accident
6 doctors causing an ac-
ing accidents.
About 11 times as many
for everyone, and nearly
cidental death, and 1 in
Handguns have triggers
children die from
500 times for ages 0-5.
56,666 gun owners doing
that are difficult for small
the same.
(child) hands to operate,
drowning. Medical mistakes kill
and are rarely the cause
In 1993, there were
400,000 people per
Around 2,000 patients
1,334 drownings and 528
year – the equivalent of
each year – six per day
firearm-related accidental
almost three fully loaded
– are accidentally killed
deaths from ages 0-19.
Boeing 747 jet crashes
or injured in hospitals by
Firearms outnumber pools
per day – or about 286
registered nurses.
by a factor of over 30:1.
times the rate of all ac-
Most fatal firearm ac-
Thus, the risk of drown-
of accidents.
cidents involve long guns,
Firearm misuse causes only a small number of accidental deaths in the U.S. For example, compared to accidental death from firearms, you are:
MV Traffic Fall Poisoning Unspecified
• Four times more likely to burn to death or drown • 17 times more likely to be poisoned • 19 times more likely to fall • And 53 times more likely to die in an automobile accident
Suffiocation Fire/Burn Drowning Other Transport Natural/Environment Other Land Transport Pedestrian Other Struck by or Against Firearm
.8%
Machinery Pedal Cyclist, Other Cut/pierce Overexertion
26
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
AGE 17 AND YOUNGER One female 17 or younger died every two days (taking into account all gun causes.
One white male 17 or younger was murdered, on average, about every 30 hours.
AGE 18-25
One woman murdered
Six black men murdered
One black male 17 or younger was murdered daily.
AGE 26-39
Four white men were suicides Nearly 6 black men murdered.
25 white men were suicides
Nearly 7 white men were suicides. Four white men murdered. Three white men murdered One woman was a suicide.
AGE 40-UP Two white woman murdered
Accidental
Suicide
Homicide
account of daily gun deaths This chart above shows an estimated account of how many deaths occur a year on average, by firearms in the United States. The bullets are colored by their group either Homicide, Suicide or Accidental and also by age.
27
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
THE AVAILABILITY OF GUNS
28
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
The most significant correlation between the use of guns in the commission of crimes occur when parents (27.5% of inmates) abuse drugs or have friends engaged in illegal activities (32.5% with robberies and 24.3% for drug trafficking).
Five out of six gun-possessing felons obtained handguns from the secondary market and by theft, and “[the] criminal handgun market is overwhelmingly dominated by informal transactions and theft as mechanisms of supply.”
Most violent crime is caused by a small minority of repeat offenders. 75- 80% of murder arrestees have prior arrests for a violent (including non-fatal) felony or burglary.
Half of all murders are committed by people on “conditional release” (i.e., parole or probation). 81% of all homicide defendants had an arrest record; 67% had a felony arrest record; 70% had a conviction record; and 54% had a felony conviction.
29
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
t h e n u m b e r o f f i r e a r m s ow n e d by
w h i l e c r i m e r at e s h av e g o n e u p a n d
p r i vat e c i t i z e n s h as b e e n i n c r e as i n g
d ow n d e p e n d i n g o n e c o n o m i c s , d r u g t r a f f i c k i n g i n n ovat i o n s , a n d
1970.
“get
350
14
300
12
250
10
200
8
150
6
100
4
50
2
0
7 19
2
7 19
74 19
76 19
8
7 19
0
8 19
2
8 19
4
8 19
6
8 19
8
8 19
0
9 19
2
9 19
4
9 19
6
9 19
As the chart shows, there is no correlation between
Handgun Supply
the availability of firearms and the rates of homicide
Homicide rate
and suicide in America.
Suicide rate Handgun Homicide Rate
30
100,000
to u g h � l e g i s l at i o n .
ho m i c i d s / s u i c i d e s p e r
handguns per
1,000
p o p u l at i o n
st e a d i ly s i n c e
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
gun availability is not the cause for school shootings : Schoolyard shootings have been occurring since at least 1974, so it is not a new phenomenon due to increases in gun ownership.
More than 50% of these terrorists start thinking about their assaults two or more weeks before the shooting, and 75% planned-out their attacks.
In rural areas, guns are everywhere and children are taught to shoot at young ages – yet these areas are almost devoid of schoolyard shootings.
In rural areas, guns are everywhere and children are taught to shoot at young ages – yet these areas are almost devoid of schoolyard shootings.
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ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
lo s a n g e l e s c o u n ty s aw r e p e at o f f e n d e r a n d r e - a r r e st r at e s s oa r a f t e r au t h o r i t i e s c lo s e d ja i l s a n d r e l e as e d p r i s o n e rs e a r ly . i n l e s s t h a n t h r e e y e a rs , e a r ly r e l e as e o f p r i s o n e rs i n l a r e s u lt e d i n :
15,775 R e a r r e st e d
convicts
215 Sex
o f f e n s e c h a rg e s
518 R o b b e ry
c h a rg e s
1,443 A s s au lt
c h a rg e s
16 Murder
c h a rg e s
94.4%
of gun murders
are gang related .
32
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
93%
of guns used
in crimes are obtained illegally
( i . e .,
not at gun
stores or gun shows ). Every day, 550 rapes, 1,100 murders, and 5,200 other violent crimes are prevented just by showing a gun. In less than 0.9% of these instances is the gun ever actually fired.
Only 5% of metropolitan police departments believe gun shows are a problem.
Most crime guns are either bought off the street from illegal sources (39.2%) or through family members or friends (39.6%).
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ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
Firearm availability appears to be particularly useful in avoiding rape. Australia and the United Kingdom virtually banned handgun ownership. During the same period handgun ownership in the United States steadily rose. Yet the rate of rape decreased in the United States, and skyrocketed in the other countries, as shown in the table. The probability of serious injury from an attack is 2.5 times greater for women offering no resistance than for women resisting with guns. Men also benefit from using guns but the benefits are smaller, 1.4 times more likely to receive a serious injury.
When a woman was armed with a gun or knife, only 3% of rape attacks are completed, compared to 32% when the woman was unarmed.
out of
2,500,000
a n n ua l
s e l f - d e f e n s e c as e s u s i n g guns, more than
(7.7%)
192,500
a r e by wo m e n d e f e n d i n g
t h e m s e lv e s ag a i n st s e x ua l abuse.
28.5% of women have one or more guns in the house.
41.7% of women either own or have convenient access to guns.
debate : guns are not effective in preventing crime against women .
34
t h e s tat e o f t h e u n i o n
debate : only police officers should own guns . “...most criminals are more worried about meeting an armed victim than they are about running into the police.�
11% 2%
o f p o l i c e s h o ot i n g s k i l l a n i n n o c e n t p e rs o n
o f s h o ot i n g s by c i t i z e n s k i l l a n i n n o c e n t p e rs o n .
Police have trouble keeping their own guns. Hundreds of firearms are missing from the FBI and 449 of them have been involved in crimes.
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
POLICE AND GUNS
94%
o f l aw e n f o rc e m e n t o f f i c i a l s b e l i e v e t h at
c i t i z e n s s h o u l d b e a b l e to p u rc h as e f i r e a r m s f o r s e l f - d e f e n s e a n d s p o rt i n g p u r p o s e s .
65.8%
b e l i e v e t h e r e s h o u l d b e n o g u n r at i o n i n g ,
s u c h as
97.9%
‘one
gun per month’ schemes.
o f o f f i c e rs b e l i e v e , t h at t h ro u g h i l l e g a l
m e a n s , c r i m i n a l s a r e a b l e to o b ta i n a n y ty p e o f firearm.
36
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
There are not enough police to protect everyone. In 1999, there were about 150,000 police officers on duty at any one time. The courts have consistently ruled that the police do not have an obligation to protect individuals. In Warren v. District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. App. 1981), the court stated: `... courts have without exception concluded that when a municipality or other governmental entity undertakes to furnish police services, it assumes a duty only to the public at large and not to individual members of the community.’ Well, except for politicians whom receive taxpayer- financed bodyguards.
There
18,209 m u r d e r 96,122 r a p e help.
were about
ro b b e ry v i c t i m s , a n d p o l i c e c o u l d n ot
victims,
497,950
v i c t i m s t h at t h e
75% of protective/restraining orders are violated and police often won’t enforce them unless they witness the violation. In over 90% of U.S. cities, technology does not give police dispatchers the locationof a cellular telephone caller, making police protection nearly impossible for travelers.
95%
o f t h e t i m e p o l i c e a r r i v e to o l at e to p r e v e n t
a c r i m e o r a r r e st t h e s u s p e c t .
Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most armed and violent attacks at schools were stopped by means other than law enforcement intervention. Often these interventions were by administrators, teachers, or other students who were licensed to carry firearms.
debate : police are our protection . people don ’ t need guns .
37
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“ good
people do not need laws to tell them to
act responsibly , while bad people will find a way around the laws .�
plato
38
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
THE CURRENT LAWS chapter 3
39
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
3.4 Canada
3.6 1.9
England and Whales
2.1
0.4
Switzerland
Japan
USA
4.1
Australia
p e rc e n t v i c t i m i z at i o n r at e s o f c o n tac t c r i m e
40
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
A LOOK OUTSIDE. the u . s . has a high
In America, it can be demonstrated that private ownership of guns reduces crime, but from country to country there is no correlation between gun availability and the violent crime rate. Consider this:
availability rate as well as a high crime rate . but is this correllation also a causation ? world statistics say otherwise .
Crime Rate Gun Availability
United States
Switzerland
Mexico
Japan
On a larger scale, it is possible to contrast the per capita homicide rate with the percapita gun ownership rate between different industrialized nations. Doing so shows zero correlation between the availability of guns and overall homicide rate. Consider Brazil as an isolated example of this. Brazil has mandatory licensing, registration, and maximum personal ownership quotas. The nation also now bans any new sales to private citizens. Their homicide rate, however, is almost three times high than the U.S.
Canada’s gun policies have demonstrated a similar level of futility in fighting violent crime. Before there was any gun control legislation in the nation, Canada’s homicide rate was 7% of the U.S. rate. By 1986, and after considerable gun control legislation, Canada’s homicide rate rose to 35% of the U.S. rate. And by 2003, Canada’s violent crime rate had doubled that of the U.S., claiming 963 per 100,000 citizens versus 475 in the U.S. Ultimately, it can proved that federal gun legislation is useless in reducing the rates of violent crime. In fact, many of the countries with the strictest gun laws consistently have the highest rates of violent crime. Australia and England, which have virtually banned gun ownership, have the highest rates of robbery, sexual assault, and assualt with force (all firearms related crimes) of the top 17 industrialized nations.
41
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
t h e f o l low i n g c l as s e s
1. Those convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for over one year
of people are ineligible
2. Fugitives from justice
to p o s s e s s , r e c e i v e ,
3. Unlawful users of certain depressant, narcotic, or stimulant drugs
s h i p , o r t r a n s p o rt
4. Those adjudicated as mental defectives or incompetents
firearms or ammunition:
5. Those committed to any mental institution 6. Illegal aliens 7. Citizens who have renounced their citizenship 8. Those persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces 9. Persons less than 18 years of age for the purchase of a shotgun or rifle. 10. Persons less than 21 years of age for the purchase of a firearm that is other than a shotgun or rifle. 11. Persons subject to a court order that restrains such persons from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner. 12. Persons convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. 13. Persons under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year are ineligible to receive, transport, or ship any firearm or ammunition. Under limited conditions, relief from disability may be obtained from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, or through a pardon, expungement, restoration of rights, or setting aside of a conviction.
p rov i d e d t h at a l l ot h e r l aw s a r e c o m p l i e d w i t h , a n i n d i v i d ua l m ay t e m p o r a r i ly b o r row o r r e n t a f i r e a r m f o r l aw f u l s p o rt i n g p u r p o s e s t h ro u g h o u t t h e u n i t e d stat e s .
42
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
FEDERAL LAW An individual 21 years of age or older may acquire a handgun from a dealer federally licensed to sell firearms in the individual`s state of residence An individual 18 years of age or older may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a federally licensed dealer in any state Sale of a firearm by a federally licensed dealer must be documented by a federal form 4473, which identifies and includes other information about the purchaser, and records the make, model, and serial number of the firearm. Sales to an individual of multiple handguns within a five-day period require dealer notification to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms An individual who does not possess a federal firearms license may not sell a firearm to a resident of another state without first transferring the firearm to a dealer in the purchaser`s state. Federal law prohibits the carrying of any firearm, concealed or unconcealed, on or about the person or in carry-on baggage while aboard an aircraft. It is illegal to manufacture or sell armor-piercing handgun ammunition. Persons who engage in the business of buying or selling firearms must be licensed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the U.S. Department of Justice.
43
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
State Requires Purchase Permits for all Gun Sales
State Requires Purchase Permits for Handgun Sales Only
State Does Not Require Purchase Permits for Handgun Sales
44
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
STATE GUN LAWS
only ...
5
stat e s
allow local control of firearms regulations. Two allow limited control, and 43 do not allow any municipal control whatsoever. States that do not allow local gun control export crime guns at a rate more than 4x greater than those that do.
12
2
stat e s
require universal background checks at the time of purchase for all gun sales at gun shows. 38 don’t require the dealers at guns shows to be licensed, and do not require purchase permits.
7
stat e s
stat e s
require lost or stolen guns to be reported to local law enforcement, versus the 43 that do not require any lost or stolen guns to be reported.
have any kind of purchase permit requirement for any gun.
45
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
The Brady Campaign compiles a list of 13 categories, each with its own point value, of measures each state can take, locally, to curb firearm tracking and the risk of gun violence towards local residents. Of the possible 100 points on the check list, Pennsylvania only scored 25.
46
state profile : pennsylvania
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
l e g i s l at i o n
possible
c at e g o ry
points
Gun Dealer Regulations Limit on Bulk Purchases Crime Gun Identification Report Lost/Stolen Guns Universal Background Checks Permit to Purchase Closed Gun Show Loophole tota l
Ammunitions Regulations
possible points
109 points earned
Childproof Handguns Child Safety Locks Child Access Prevention Juvenile Handgun Purchases Assault Weapons Ban Large Capacity Magazine Ban
by pa
25
No Guns in the Workplace No Guns on College Campuses Not a CCW Shall Issue State No State Preemption
12 10 10 3 17 8 7 2 7 6 5 2 5 5 2 2 2 2
points earned
8 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1
47
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
STAT E S P OT L I G H T: T E N ST R A N G E G U N L AWS
p e n n sy lva n i a
a l as k a
connecticut
f lo r i da
Except in the state’s “first
Residents are allowed to
Residents who recieve
Florida became a “stand
class cities” (which in
carry concealed or open
a permit for a pistol or
your ground” state in
Pennsylvania’s case sin-
weapons without any sort
handgun – unless they are
2005, meaning that gun
gles out only Philadelphia),
of license whatsoever,
proved to be mentally un-
owners can use deadly
no license is required to
and will not be penalized
stable – can carry it openly
force if their home is
openly carry a firearm.
for carrying the weapon
or concealed. Additionally,
broken into or if they are
in any public forum. This
visitors to Connecticut can
being attacked, even if
includes schools, govern-
apply for a non-resident
deadly force is not being
ment buildings, and any
permit through the mail,
used towards them.
other recreational location.
allowing for a myriad of
Florida also gives permits
Several municipalities
fraudulent purchases to
to nearly any resident or
have released state-
occur.
visitor over 21, allows the
48
ments asking residents to
carrying of these or any
acquire gun licenses out
weapons in a car, and pro-
of courtesy, but to date no
hibits the firing of employ-
legislation has been intro-
ees who bring concealed
duced to enfore this.
weapons to work.
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
indiana
kentucky
michigan
new hampshire
Barring a criminal record,
Glove compartments are
Anyone over the age of
Carrying a concealed
residents of Indiana over
termed as “sacred” in
18 can buy a gun from a
weapon on your person
the age of 18 can attain
Kentucky, meaning no
private point of sale, but
or in your car requires
a firearm license withing
individual or group can
possession of tasers is
a license. The license,
90 days of applying. Guns
remove a firearm con-
completely prohibited.
however will only cost ten
are allowed in all public
cealed in a glove compart-
dollars and come with a
forums, strangely enough,
ment (even if it is left it
1-2 week waiting period
except for the Indiana
unlocked).
State Fair.
Also, in the event of a
for local residents, and m o n ta n a
disaster or emergency the
at a twenty dollar fee for visitors. No liscence is
state is not permitted to
Unlicensed gun owner-
required, however, for any
confiscate private citizens’
ship, as well as the con-
other kind of gun owner-
weapons, but are allowed
cealed and car carrying of
ship—at home, openly, or
to confiscate the weapons
any unlicensed weapon is
otherwise.
of municipal police forces.
allowed—but not in bars, banks, and government buildings, and only outside of cities and campsite.
m a ry l a n d
Unfortunately, these designated areas cover
Any resident with a driv-
less than one percent of
er’s license can apply for
populated Montana.
a gun permit and, upon watching a safety video, is unrestricted from buying and amount of guns with no waiting period.
49
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
check and waiting
why ?
period before a person can purchase a handgun.
Because regulation
control law is the Brady
This solution may
of a legal market
Act, passed in 1993,
have seemed appealing
is bound to fail when
which requires a criminal
to politicians, but to
a healthy black market
economists it doesn’t
exists for the same
make much sense.
product.”
“The most famous gun
Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner, Freakonomics
50
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
DEFINING THE BLACK MARKET chapter 4
51
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“ black
market ” firearms
are purchased in one state or another with lax gun laws , and then trafficked to
outlying states . though a gun may be purchased legally in one state , by virtue of being trafficked to another state or owner it enters the
“ black
52
market .”
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
States that rank high in crime gun export usually fall short in ten categories:
01. State criminal penalties for straw purchasing. 02. State criminal penalties for falsifying purchaser information 03. State penalties for failing to conduct dealer background checks. 04. Background checks for all handgun sales at gun shows. 05. Purchase permits for all handgun sales. 06. Local law enforcement discretion to approve or deny concealed carry permits. 07.Gun possession by violent misdemeanants. 08. Reporting lost or stolen guns to law enforcement. 09. Local control of firearms regulations. 10. State inspection of gun dealers.
20 16 14.1 National Average
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
17.2
11.5
18.2
4.4
16.1
6.2
18.7
7.1
19.9
9.6
19.2
6.2
19.8
7.5
12.0
19.9
10.9
15.6
0
9.5
4
18.3
8
10
The graph above shows the average rate of trafficked crime guns originating from states who enforce these 10 basic laws (represented in yellow) versus those who do not (red).
53
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
interstate gun trafficking
to p t e n
to p t e n
i n t e rstat e
i n t e rstat e
crime gun
e x p o rt
s u p p l i e rs
rankings
(2009)
1. Georgia
1. Mississippi
2. Florida
2. West Virginia
3. Virginia
3. Kentucky
4. Texas
4. Alaska
5. Indiana
5. Alabama
6. Ohio
6. South Carolina
7. Pennsylvania
7. Virginia
8. North Carolina
8. Indiana
9. California
9. Nevada
10. Arizona
54
10. Georgia
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
70%
20,996
40% l ac k a n y l aw s at a l l .
Three of the top interstate crime gun suppliers rank in the top ten states of total firearm export.
of top exporting states lack atleast half of all state gun laws proven to prevent illegal trafficking,
Total Interstate Crime guns from these states alone.
100% 60% o f stat e s o n b ot h l i st s
lack at least HALF of all state gun laws proven to prevent illegal trafficking
do not require any kind of report on a lost or stolen firearms. States that do not require a report of lost or stolen firearms, by this one law alone, export ov e r 2 x
as many crime guns as any state that does.
55
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
1. Straw Purchasing
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachesetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Sout Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
56
2. Falsifying Purchaser Information
3. Failing to Conduct Dealer Background Checks
x
x
x x x x x x
x
4. Requires 5. Rewuires Background purchase Checks for all permit for all handgun handgun sales at gun purchases shows
x
x x x
x
x
x
x x x x x x
x
x
x N/A
x
x
x x x x x x
x
x x x
x x x
x
x
x
x
x x x x
x
x x x
x x x
x
x
x x
x x x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x x
x x
x x
x x x x x x
x x x
6. Grants local 7. Prohibits law 10. Requires gun enforcement 8. Requires 9. Allows local possession by or allows discretion to reporting lost control of gun dealer violent deny or stolen guns regulations inspections misdemeanan concealed ts carry permits
x x x
x
x x
x x x x x
x
x
x x
x x
x
x
x x
x
x
N/A
x x x x t
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x x x
x
x
x x x
x x
x x
x
x x x x x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x x x x
x x
x
x
x x x
x x x
x
x x
N/A
x
x
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
HOW THEY GET AWAY WITH IT. these are the ten major laws that stop firearms trafficking , and the alarming number of states that don ’ t enfore them .
“Black market” traffickers are attracted by the absence of laws such as prohibition of violent misdemeanant purchases, required purchase permits, and local discretion of concealed carry permits.
The chart, pictured left, tracks the major laws in every state that specifically curtail the illegal purchase, export, and licensing of firearms. The states lacking the majority of these laws rank among the top gun exporters.
57
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“ black
market ” traffickers
are attracted by the absence of laws such as prohibition
The graphs below track this attraction by comparing short “timeto-crime” guns in stricter states to those barring just these three laws.
of violent misdemeanant purchases , required purchase permits , and local discretion of concealed carry permits .
r e l at i o n s h i p
25%
b e tw e e n t i m e - to c r i m e a n d stat e l aw s p ro h i b i t i n g
20%
24.8%
gun posession by v i o l e n t
15%
misdemeanants
16.8%
10% 5% 0% Prohibit Gun Possession by at Least Some Violent Misdemeanants
58
Allow Gun Possession by Any Violent Misdemeanant
22.6% National Average
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
r e l at i o n s h i p
25%
25.1%
b e tw e e n t i m e - to c r i m e a n d stat e l aw s g r a n t i n g discretion to lo c a l l aw
22.6% National Average
20% 15%
18.7%
e n f o rc e m e n t to deny concealed c a r ry p e r m i t s
10% 5% 0% Local Law Enforcement Has Discretion to Approve or Deny Concealed Carry Permits
r e l at i o n s h i p
Local Law Enforcement Has No Discretion to Approve or Deny Concealed Carry Permits
25%
b e tw e e n t i m e - to c r i m e a n d stat e l aw s r e q u i r i n g
20%
24.8%
p u rc h as e p e r m i t s for all handgun
22.6% National Average
15% 16.1%
sales
10% 5% 0% Purchase Permits Required
No Purchase Permit Required
59
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
� g ua r d
w i t h j e a lo u s att e n t i o n
t h e p u b l i c l i b e rty . s u s p e c t e v e ryo n e w h o a p p roac h e s t h at j e w e l . u n f o rt u n at e ly , n ot h i n g w i l l p r e s e rv e i t b u t d ow n r i g h t f o rc e . w h e n e v e r yo u g i v e u p t h at f o rc e , yo u a r e i n e v i ta b ly ruined�
pat r i c k h e n ry
60
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
LAW ENFORCEMENT chapter 5
61
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
Law Enforcement a . failing to conduct dealer background checks :
" states
that have not enacted laws enabling local prosecution and incar -
ceration of straw purchasers , buyers who falsify purchaser informa tion , and gun dealers who violate background check laws export crime guns at a higher rate than states that have enacted such laws , and are the source of a greater proportion of short ttc crime guns ."
criminal penalties for state law illegal activities:
Straw Purchasing
purchaser who commits a felony by falsely stating on that required paperwork that he or she is that actual buyer of the gun. 9 states and the District of Columbia have enacted parallel laws for local prosecution and incarceration of straw purchasers. EXPORT RATE OF 9.5 CRIME GUNS PER 100,000 INHABITANTS
Falsifying Purchaser Information
an individual who provides false information while purchasing a firearm commits a felony and can be incarcerated for up to 10 years and fined up to $250,000. 27 states and the District of Columbia have enacted parallel laws for local prosecution and incarceration of buyers who provide false information during a firearm purchase. EXPORT RATE OF 10.9 CRIME GUNS PER 100,000 INHABITANTS
Failing to Conduct Dealer Background Checks
a dealer who knowingly fails to conduct a background check on a gun buyer commits a misdemeanor and can be incarcerated for up to 1 year and fined up to $100,000. 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted parallel laws for local prosecution and incarceration of gun dealers who violate background check laws. EXPORT RATE OF 12.0 CRIME GUNS PER 100,000 INHABITANTS
62
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRIME GUN EXPORT RATES AND STATE LAWS ALLOWING LOCAL CONTROL OF FIREARMS REGULATIONS
20 Crime Gun Export Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants
16 12
18.2
---------------------------------------------------------------
14.1 National Average
8 4
4.4 0 Allow Local Control of Gun Laws
Do Not Allow Local Control of Gun Laws
Graph green.(top) shows the export rate of 4.4 guns per 100,100 inhabitants that allow gun control laws in the U.S, while graph red. shows the export rate of 18.2 crime guns per 100,000 inhabitants that do not allow gun control laws in the U.S.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TIME TO CRIME RATES AND STATE LAWS ALLOWING LOCAL CONTROL OF FIREARMS REGULATIONS
25% Proportion of Crime Guns with a Short (Time To Crime) Less Than Two Years Between Original Purchase and Recovery in a Crime)
20% 15%
--------------------------------------------------------------24.3%
22.6% National Average
13.6%
10% 5% 0% Allow Local Control of Gun Laws
Do Not Allow Local Control of Gun Laws
Graph.(bottom) Green shows the TTC estimates of crime guns. About 24.3% of guns originate from states which have a short TTC, and the Red shows 13.6% of guns originating from states that allow local control of firearm regulations of short TTC.
63
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
c . purchase permit for all handgun sales :
"
states that do not require purchase permit for all handguns export crime guns at a rate more than three times greater than states that do require purchase permits for all handguns , and are the source of a greater pro portion of short ttc crime guns ."
It is required that background checks be taken when buying guns. Requirements could deny guns to criminals and help regulate the secondary gun market in several ways. Gun buyers are required to visit a law enforcement agency to get permit. 13 states and the District of Columbia require purchase permits for all handgun sales.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRIME GUN EXPORT RATES AND STATE LAWS PERMITTING OF MANDATING DEALER INSPECTIONS
20 Crime Gun Export Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants
16
17.2
---------------------------------------------------------------
12 8
11.5
4 0 Allow or Require State Inspections
64
Do Not Allow or Reguire State Inspections
14.1 National Average
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
d . lost or stolen guns :
"
states that do not require gun owners to report lost or stolen guns to
police export crime guns at a rate more than two and a half times greater than states that require such reporting , and are the source of a greater
proportion of short ttc crime guns ."
Over 150,000 firearms were reported lost or stolen in 2008. About 85% were recovered while, tens of thousands were never reported. Lost or stolen guns to local law enforcement fights illegal gun trafficking in two ways: one enables police to respond more rapidly to a report that a gun was stolen and possibly returned and second, if a trafficker or straw buyer is identified by a gun tracer and confronted by police requirements would then be taken into consideration. 7 states and the District of Columbia require gun owners to report lost or stolen guns to local law enforcement.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRIME GUN EXPORT RATES AND STATE LAWS REQUIRING REPORTING LOST OR STOLEN GUNS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
20 Crime Gun Export Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants
16
16.1 --------------------------------------------------------------12
14.1 National Average
8 4
6.2
0 Require Reporting Lost or Stolen Guns to law Enforcement
Do Not Require Reporting Lost or Stolen Guns to Law Enforcement
65
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
b . background checks for handgun sales at gun shows :
Private sellers, that maintain the sell of guns occasionally, do not need to be licensed and need to run background checks as to where they sell a gun. Federal background check laws, also called “Gun Show Loophole”, are associated with gun shows because they are a large and central blackmarket place where purchasers who wish to avoid detection can easily connect with private sellers.
About 16 states and the District of Columbia have enacted state laws to close the Gun Show Loophole.
Approaches required: • Universal background checks at the time of purchase. • Background checks at the time of purchase of all handgun sales. • Background checks at the time of purchase at gun shows. • State-issued permit for purchasing guns from sellers plus a background check. • State-issued permits for the purchase of handguns by private sellers and background checks at the time of purchase.
66
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
" states
that do not require background checks for
all hand gun sales at gun shows export crime guns at a rate more than two and a half greater than states that do , and are the source of a greater proportation of short ttc crime guns ."
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TIME TO CRIME RATES AND STATE LAWS REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL HANDGUN SALES AT GUN SHOWS
25% Proportion of Crime Guns with a Short (Time To Crime) Less Than Two Years Between Original Purchase and Recovery in a Crime)
20% 15%
--------------------------------------------------------------25.1%
22.6% National Average
17.3%
10% 5% 0% Require Background Checks for all Handgun Sales at Gun Shows
Do Not Allow Background Checks for All Handgun Sales at Gun Shows.
67
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
“
THE BEAUTY OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS THAT
”
IT WILL NOT BE NEEDED UNTIL THEY TRY TO TAKE IT.
68
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
Thomas Jefferson
� 69
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
As the Founding Fathers of the United States drafted the Constitution, they stated in the Second Amendment that each citizen should have the right to bear arms. Since that time period, the issue of gun control has been fiercely debated by those for and against owning firearms. Those in favor of regulating guns argue that they are are inherently evil and cause nothing but destruction. Those in favor of owning firearms argue that fatalities are kept at a minimum because each citizen is allowed to carry weapons. There are innumberable points to each debate, the numbers make a few things clear: The only effective gun control exists on a municipal level,
James Madison
70
ta k e a i m : a c r i t i c a l l o o k at g u n c o n t r o l
analysis targeting criminals on their own territory. Guns are an isolated, objectified problem, and therefore require a similar, object oriented, tangible solution. Nebulous laws to nothing to stop the dangerous criminals who operated outside of them to begin with.
The Second Ammendment wil always need to be considered in the debate over gun control. There is no argument that the founding fathers intended for every citizen to have the right to bear arms, but a modern lens is required to assess if people can be trusted today as they were then. Should laws be scrutinized and recvised to allow for better control of violent actions? Absolutely, but what price are we willing to pay when the crime rates start rising and citizens no longer own weapons? More importantly, are certain freedoms worth the price of you or a loved one becoming fatally wounded by a firearm?
The debate over the posession of firearms will continue for many years to come. What is apparent however, is the fact that new laws must be created and enforced to ensure mass gun violence is curtailed. Clearly, current regulations are lacking in some respects, and creative measures must be taken to ensure safety for all, just as the Founding Fathers intended.
71