The discussion on the rights and control of guns has elicited controversy among many people, especially because it has lifestyle, geographical as well as cultural implications. The argument for and against the gun rights and gun control has seen people and governments differ greatly. As the society progresses to become more diversified and people being more individualistic, there is a further course for misunderstanding each other, especially people with different opinions and cultures. The controversy revolves around the relationship between guns and crime rate, and the use of guns as a means of self-defense.
With fewer laws restricting the use, ownership and purchase of firearms, there is a greater likelihood of pointless feuds intensifying into murder. Firearms give people power, and with power, then abuse becomes inevitable. Research reveals that there has been a higher rate of gun-related offences in countries that have lenient laws on firearm ownership, for instance the United States. The direct correlation between firearm laws and violence is the argumentation that surrounds the gun control.
Gun activists, on the other hand, strongly hold that outlawing the ownership or use of firearms is unconstitutional, citing self-defense. Citizens of the US have the constitutional right to private ownership of firearms, for protection of the self, loved ones and wealth from external aggression. Personal possession of firearms helps in controlling gun violence as well as homicides in the country and world at large.
In conclusion, owning firearms does not directly relate to crime. There are nations that have serious firearm legislations but, averagely, have higher crime rates than lenient states. Crime and violence is not generally about firearm control. On the contrary, it is fueled by high poverty rates, disintegrated urban environments, among other economic and social factors.
References
Larry, G. K. (2015). criminal justice in action. California: Cengage Learning.
