Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Loretta Alvarez
Professor Collins
ENGL 1301
23 March 17
Gun Control
Gun Control are laws regarding the use, carry, or ban of firearms around America. Part of
America believes that laws for firearms should be lifted with restrictions, other believe firearms
should be banned all together. Laws for firearms began in 1791, when the second amendment of
the constitution was created stating that Americans have the right to bear arms. In 1968, an act
was passed to control the use and sale of firearms. The Gun Control Act Of 1968, by
Encyclopedia of Gun Control & Gun Rights, goes on to state the act was created in 1963 when
the Senate Judiciary Committee considered a bill prohibiting mail-order sales of handguns to
minors. Law makers are at a constant battle with taking away firearms, but still giving
Americans their right stated in the Constitution. Federal Gun Legislation Timeline, from
www.CongressionalDigest.com, states the different laws firearms have been given throughout
the years, such as the Supreme Court declaring in 2008 that Americans are protected by the
second amendment and have the right to have firearms within their home for protection of their
families. Obamas proposals to tighten up gun control laws in 2012 was caused after the after
the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, and the shooting in Aroura, Colorado which took the lives
of innocent people (Federal Gun Legislation Timeline). There has also been controversy over
citizens being able to carry in public for protection. The fight continues to go back and forth for
several reasons. Gun Control has become prominent because people have their rights, while
The second amendment of the United States Constitution declares Americans have the
right to bear arms. This right protects firearm owners and users from having their firearms taken
away from them. The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), by Encyclopedia of Gun Control
and Gun Rights in 2011 says, Since its founding, the organization has focused on ways to
defend the right to keep and bear arms People use their guns for hunting, shooting at a gun
range, and other recreational activities. If owners were not allowed to have guns, many would
not be able to do their hobbies. Hunters buy guns to use during different hunting seasons. They
invest great amounts of money and do not want it to go to waste by not being able to use their
firearms. Also, citizens want the right to carry so they are able to protect themselves or a loved
one from harm. Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and
the Law published the article More Guns Less Crime Thesis, explains how guns can be used to
protect citizens and even prevent crimes from happening. If criminals see or suspect that a victim
is carrying a gun, they will not attack. This can prevent various crimes and help citizens to feel
safe wherever they go. Many young women, and mothers want to feel protected since they are
usually the target. Many people want to carry their guns in a car or purse in case of confrontation
with a stranger. The article helps to understand how gun carry is beneficial in terms of
Other citizens believe that only taking guns away from mentally ill patients does not help
prevent crimes such as mass shootings. James Holmes went on a shooting rampage at a movie
theater in Aroura, Colorado in 2012 after purchasing firearms despite his mental health record.
Though it is unclear what he discussed with the mental health professionals... Still, he was able
to purchase his weapons legally from licensed firearms dealers. said Putting A Band-aid On A
Bullet Wound: Why Gun Legislation Targeting Individuals With Mental Illness Isnt Working by
Alvarez 3
Lindsay Bramble. This shows how easy it is for anyone to get their hands-on firearms, which
makes people feel uncomfortable and worry about their safety. Even though he was visiting
doctors to discuss his mental issues, he still obtained firearms with no problems. Another
shooting that shocked the nation was the Sand Hook Elementary Shooting. On December 14,
2012 in Connecticut, Adam Lanza used firearms to kill students and teachers (Bramble). Lindsay
Bramble continues to state, Lanza reportedly suffered from Aspergers Syndrome, though this
likely did not cause him to become violent. The shooting at Sandy Hook was one of the deadliest
mass murders in history. Without gun control, anyone and everyone can buy firearms, therefore
citizens feel the need for gun control laws to prevent deadly event like this. With the laws only
regarding mentally ill patients, it does not help to stop crimes. Gun control laws would take guns
out of everyones hands making it harder to buy or own firearms. Firearms are too easy to access
which makes others uncomfortable and scared to go about their normal day.
Gun Control laws have been under debate for many years. While some want their rights,
others want to feel safe. Artilleries can end up in the wrong hands, which makes citizens fear for
their lives. At the same time, others do not want their rights taken away because others do not
know how to properly use and handle a gun. This topic will never come to agreement with these
Works Cited
Aneja, Abhay, and John J. Donohue III. "More Guns, Less Crime Thesis." Guns in American
Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law, Gregg Lee Carter,
http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/abcguns/more_guns_less_crime_thesis/0.
Bramble, Lindsay. "Putting a Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound: Why Gun Legislation Targeting
Individuals with Mental Illness Isn't Working." Journal of Health Care Law & Policy,
"Federal Gun Legislation Timeline." Congressional Digest, vol. 92, no. 3, Mar. 2013, pp. 2-32.
EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
"Gun Control Act of 1968." Encyclopedia of Gun Control & Gun Rights, edited by Grey House
http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/greygun/gun_control_act_of_1968/0.
"Second Amendment Foundation (SAF)." Encyclopedia of Gun Control & Gun Rights, edited by
http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/greygun/second_amendment_foundation_