Gun Control: Opposing Viewpoints

The Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home. The purpose of the Second Amendment, has been a major issue with much controversy all the way back to 1791 when it was first adopted. There are two opposing sides on the issue of gun control. Some believe that there should be tighter restrictions on gun control due to many deaths caused by guns. While others believe that it is their right to bear arms and are constantly fighting against new legislation and trying to roll back laws. In the United States, the lack of agreement on gun control has led to a wide variety of state and local laws that have to do with licensing and registration of handguns.

According to gun control supporters, in today’s society the second amendment should protect only the states’ right to arm their own military forces, including their National Guard units. This would mean that not just anyone can possess a firearm. They believe that there is not any purpose to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever, unless it is for military forces. With a nation that has such a strong military, and armed police everywhere, there is no reason that civilians should need to carry their own handguns. There are many statistics that support the idea that guns within society are dangerous. In 2006 The National Institute of Justice made an estimated that, 68% of murders, 42% of robberies, and 22% of aggravated assaults in the United States were committed with firearms. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, found that stricter requirements on registration and licensing would prevent criminals from buying guns.

There is much opposition against gun control from groups of citizens and gun manufacturers. They believe that the second amendment gives them the right to bear arms for self defense and recreational use. Although there are restrictions on where and who can possess firearms, they still are trying to prevent as many laws that support gun control as they can. In the District of Columbia, the courts put a ban on all handguns, and required a trigger lock on all guns. This law is seen as unconstitutional because no matter what your opinion is on gun control, the courts cannot decide to make the second amendment extinct. A middle ground has to be met in order for there to be any sort of compromise on this issue. The United States can require registration of guns and proficiency tests for gun owners, just as we do with cars, without making it impossible, or even difficult, for law-abiding citizens to buy guns.