Gun Control Pros And Cons

Gun NOtrol Over the recent years, the controversial debate on gun control has struck the nation. Gun control is defined as “the set of laws or policies that regulate the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, or use of firearms by civilians.” There has been high regulations set forth that restrict civilians from either possessing certain kinds of guns, size of magazines, or meeting certain requirements. The Gun Control Act of 1968 requires someone to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or ammunition. The purchasing of a handgun can only be bought by someone 21 years of age or older. (Schuster) As a result of the heightened amount of mass shootings and firearm casualties that occur in the United States,

It will not deter crime. It will not prevent a mass shooting. It will have little effect on the overall safety of the country. Instead, it prevents self defense. According to the National Rifle Association, guns are used as self defense 2.5 million times a year. (NRA) Many people argue that guns should be strictly limited to only law enforcement. They believe citizens do not need to be in possession of firearms because it will do more harm than good. However, there are several cases of corrupt law enforcement where people are not guaranteed protection. As a result, these civilians need to protect themselves. For people who live in the slums of the country, the law enforcement become a little “lazy” with their sworn duties and let the gangs and criminals run loose. Many police officers will be bought off to ignore the crimes that go on right in front of their eyes, including robberies, homicides, trafficking and money laundering. In cities like New Orleans, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas, whether it be gangs or the mob, the innocent inhabitants of these areas are at high risk of danger. Researchers from Bowling Green State University conducted a study about the number of police officer arrests. People would be shocked from the results. “From 2005 to 2011, there were a total of 6,724 police arrest cases.” (Jackman) The leading city with the most police arrests was none other than New Orleans. Nationwide, there are approximately 1,100 police arrests a year. (Jackman) Individuals who are trained and sanctioned to abide and enforce the law are the ones breaking it. Now, that doesn’t sound very reassuring to people. Additionally, 68% of respondents from the Pew Research Center survey are in favor of the complete ban of assault-style weapons. ("Public Opinion on Gun Rights vs Gun Control, 2000--2017.") The gun control laws that are already in effect have been proven to be