Gun control refers to policies that regulate the acquisition and use of firearms. Some countries such as Germany have stringent gun control policies, while others such as the US have more liberal policies regarding firearm possession. The proponents (liberalists) of gun control argue that unrestricted gun ownership exacerbates crime and firearm accidents within the society. They further argue that the Second Amendment, which protects individuals' right to own arms, is irrelevant in the wake of efficient law enforcement agencies (Krouse 6). To them, individuals might need guns only for recreational purposes such as hunting. Conversely, the opponents (conservationists) argue that gun control infringes on people’s inherent right of self-defense, and does not reduce crime.
The benefits of gun control include reduction in crime and accidental firearm deaths, establishing firearm training standards, creating age restrictions and identification of mentally disturbed individuals (The Pros cons). Gun control laws emphasize on detailed background checks on individuals to establish their criminal records. Furthermore, the policies prescribe legal procedures seeking gun licenses and ownership which consume lots of time that criminal do not have. As a result, fewer guns will fall in the hands of criminals, thus reducing gun-related crimes.
Statistics indicates a rise in accidental gun deaths in homes. Such deaths occur due to careless placement of arms within the reach of children, who do not understand the dangers associated with firearms. Hence, they may play with guns leading to accidental discharge that may cause severe injuries or deaths. In addition, most of the guns stored at home usually contribute to suicidal deaths. Gun control also establishes training standards as a prerequisite to obtaining a firearm license. Such training ensures that those who own guns possess the relevant training and precautionary knowledge in firearm use.
Gun control policies prescribe the legal age at which individuals can acquire guns. Age restrictions limit access to firearms by children and teenagers, thus minimizing accidental deaths. Modern society has seen a surge in the number of people suffering from psychological or mental disorders that make them exhibit violent tendencies. Recent cases of mass massacres in public schools by deranged individuals have raised concerns about the prevalence of such mental conditions. Therefore, adequate background checks recommended by gun control policies assist in the identification of such individuals and denying firearm access to those with histories of mental disorders.
The disadvantages of gun control include self-defenselessness of individuals, violation of the second amendment, inability to prevent crime, and increase in black market sales. The main claim against regulation is the absence of mechanisms for self-defense. Self-defense is an inherent right of individuals in the presence of danger or harm. In addition, the rising cases of violent crimes in society promotes the need for gun ownership in order to empower people in combatting homicides and violent burglaries. Secondly, gun control violates the provisions of the second amendment that gives individuals the right to bear arms. The Supreme Court held this principle in several court cases that tried to limit its requirements such as D.C. vs. Heller in 2008.
Statistics shows that gun control policies do not prevent crime. Instead, there is a positive correlation between gun control and increased crime rates. Many developed countries with high gun ownership rates exhibit lower murder rates compared to countries with low gun ownership rates (Kates & Mauser 652). For instance, the murder rate in Luxembourg is nine times that in Germany, yet the former has completely banned firearm ownership. Furthermore, gun control policies trigger the emergence and popularity of black markets that sell cheap illegal guns. Unregistered firearms will dominate the society, making it hard for law enforcement to trace criminals. Therefore, the number of unsolved gun-related crimes will increase.
The gun control debate is likely to continue with each faction arguing for their case. Recent evidence and statistics indicate that previous gun control initiatives have been ineffective in combating crime. Furthermore, the implementation of dispossession mechanisms such as frisking people may result in more violations of human rights. Crime in the US is prevalent in poor neighborhoods where street gangs abound. However, the concentration of dispossession efforts in such neighborhood will amount to the minority targeting since the neighborhoods mainly consist of families of the African American decent or other immigrant groups such as Latinos. For decades, the US has held the reputation of the most democratic nation with a history of upholding the tenets of the constitution and human rights. Therefore, the violation of the second amendment through gun control contravenes the principles on which the country was founded. Such violations are likely to set precedents for future federal interference with the Bill of rights.
Nevertheless, the society cannot ignore the dangers of unregulated gun ownership in society such as the death of innocent children. Therefore, each must exercise their right in ways that do not harm, others. In addition, those who misuse such rights deserve incarceration and future denial of their right to bear arms.
References
Kates, Don B., and Gary M. Mauser. "Would Banning Firearms Reduce Murders and Suicide? A Review of International and Some Domestic Evidence." Harvard Law School 30.2. N.d. 650-694. Web. 27 Nov. 2014. <http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlpp/Vol30_No2_KatesMauseronline.pdf>.
Krouse, William J. "Gun Control Legislation." Federation Of American Scientists. 1-113. 14 Nov. 2012. Web. 27 Nov. 2014. <http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL32842.pdf>.
The Pros & Cons. "Pros & Cons: Gun Control." The Pros & Cons. N.p., 29 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Nov. 2014. <http://theproscons.com/pros-cons-of-gun-control/>.
