Essay About Gun Control

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Based on common knowledge, gun control refers to laws or policies that regulate the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, or use of firearms by civilians. Some U.S. states have already adopted a variety of these gun control laws, some more strict than others. In a society where gun violence and crimes are widely prevalent, there has been a widespread, common fear of guns. In light of current events and gun crimes, there has been controversy about the idea of gun control, whether it is beneficial or harmful for society. These new laws that are intended to be enforced not only affect people who are opposed to gun control, but also the people who rely on these firearms as a means of protection and for sport. Although misused …show more content…

Furthermore, these broad categories can be broken down into simpler categories, primarily based on their gauge and caliber, as well as the action employed (semi-automatic, automatic, revolver, etc.) The purpose of gun control is to regulate who is accessible to a firearm, prevent criminals from purchasing firearms to conduct acts of violence, terrorism, and shootings. In the United States, gun control laws vary from state to state, some more strict than others. Those in support of gun control believe that the Second Amendment was solely intended for the militias; that gun-related crimes would decrease; that gun restrictions have always existed; and that a majority of Americans support gun restrictions. (ProCon.org) However, opponents of gun control argue that the Second Amendment safeguards an individual’s right to own guns; that guns are needed as a means of self-defense; and that gun ownership deters rather than causes more crime. (ProCon.org) Of the many pros and cons, some will be …show more content…

The Second Amendment reads, “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." (ProCon.org) In regards to gun control, proponents and opponents often focus on the militia aspect of the clause, rather than the clause as a whole. According to lawyers, the militia phrase is considered to be a “preamble,” which is a non-binding explanation of intention. This means that the militia phrase is simply a guide to interpretation of the law itself, which is “the right of people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Similar to the freedom of press, the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, there exists the freedom to keep and bear arms. The Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments, are considered the basic rights and freedoms of the American citizen. These natural rights are considered God-given rights and cannot be impaired upon by the government, but rather protected and

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