For many years, the topic of gun control has been sensitive and controversial. Also, in the wake of numerous tragic mass shootings, the issue has polarized institutions, the government, media, and the general public in regards to what is the best solution to deal with the mass shootings. Some individuals favor restrictions to be placed over guns since they believe it is the only way of reducing deaths related to firearms. However, they are those individuals who are opposed to the regulation and control of guns. They believe that the control and regulation of firearms will not solve the current problems created by firearms, such as mass shootings and crimes. The essay looks at the arguments for and against gun control laws in the US.
One of the significant reasons against gun control is because the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the rights of persons to own guns. The Second Amendment reads that.’ A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.’ Therefore, according to those who are against gun control, gun ownership is an American tradition that is not only older than the nation itself but is also protected by the Second Amendment. Therefore putting more gun control measures in place would infringe on the right of people to own guns. In the case of District of Colombia et al. versus Heller, a majority of the Supreme Court bench judged that the Second Amendment protects the rights of persons to own guns, and this is unconnected with the men in uniform who have traditionally used firearms for lawful purposes such as self-defense. The judges further stated that the founders of the nation understood the right to own a gun is a fundamental and significant to the maintenance of liberty. They even compared the right to own a firearm to other rights such as that of free speech and free press and argued that the government or any arm of the government had no right to infringe on this important right.
Furthermore, research has proven that while gun control laws do not decrease crime, gun ownerships help in deterring crime. Policymakers need to understand that a ban on guns will not significantly reduce murders rates since, in the US, the states that have gun control measures are the ones that have the highest murder rates. On the other hand, after an increase in gun ownership in the 21st century, murder rates have reduced. Also, the states that have the most significant number of persons who own guns have the lowest crime rates. The reduced crime rate is because criminals fear retaliation despite their behavior of not obeying the law.
Moreover, those against gun control argue that gun control measures deny persons the sense of safety and infringe on their right to self-defense. The National Rifle Association has data that shows yearly, millions of persons use their guns for self-defense. Similarly, since the number of police officers is limited, it is challenging for police officers to protect everyone at all times. Therefore, stricter gun control measures would make it hard for individuals to protect their homes and families. Further, having a firearm helps to enhance the right to life since law-abiding citizens can defend themselves against violent criminals. Also, research done among convicted persons confirms that criminals avoided committing crimes when they know the victims had guns to protect themselves. Likewise, there are gun control regulations that infringe on the right of persons to own guns for hunting and support. Yearly, millions of hunters spend billions on guns on other hunting equipment. Also, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has complained several that the anti-gun laws are meant to scare people from participating in sports that involve guns, and this is one of the critical sectors of the economy that employs millions of persons.
Additionally, gun control laws will not prevent criminals from getting guns or breaking the law. Only a small number of mass shooters have obtained their guns legally. Most of the mass shooters in the United States obtain their guns illegally. Also, criminals have never followed the law since they ignore it, and there is a possibility that criminals can unknowingly or forcefully get guns from their friends or family members. Finally, those against gun control measures argue that these regulations will give a lot of power to the government hence leading to tyranny and even a situation whereby the government takes away all the guns from its citizens. The founding fathers who developed the Second Amendment that protects the rights of persons to possess guns lived during an era of tyranny under King George, and they wanted to ensure that the American persons will never again live under tyranny.