Which of the following should people be able to own?

F-16 FIGHTER JETS

TANKS

“AUTOMATIC” OR “ASSAULT” RIFLES

AUTOMATIC SHOTGUNS

GRENADES

HAND-GUNS

“SAWED-OFF” SHOTGUNS

PISTOL

Chain Gun

CANONAIR GUN

POTATO GUN

The Debate Over Gun Control

Option 1: Advocates of Gun controlWe need stricter laws!

Option 2: Advocate of Gun RightsGun laws infringe on constitution rights!

What does the 2nd Amendment actually say??

• “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.” (ratified in 1791)

• Possible Purpose of Amendment:1. Protect Colonies from Invasions2. Arm Citizens3. Enable citizens to fight against a

tyrannical government4. Any others??

What Does it Actually Mean??

• Very controversial…. Essentially trying to interpret what was written 200+ years ago– Who is protected, individuals? Army

members? – Only certain weapons?

• Debate focuses on 3 words:– “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.”

Guns and Crime• According to the National Crime Victimization Survey in 2000,

533,470 victims of serious violent crimes stated that they faced an offender with a firearm

• Victimizations involving a firearm represented 8% of the 6.3 million violent crimes of rape and sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated and simple assault.

• The FBI's Crime in the United States estimated that 66% of the 15,517 murders in 2000 were committed with firearms.

The Brady Bill• Signed into law by

President Bill Clinton on November 30, 1993

• Prior to the sale of a handgun, firearms dealers must verify the identity of a customer and receive authorization from the background check

• Essentially, a 5 Day Waiting Period

You’re prohibited from owning a gun if:

1. Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment

2. Is a fugitive3. Is an unlawful user of or

addicted to any controlled substance

4. Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States

5. Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions

6. Has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Buying Guns• According to the 2007 Survey

of State Prison Inmates, among those possessing a gun, the source of the gun was from – a flea market or gun show fewer

than 2% – a retail store or pawnshop for

about 12% – family, friends, a street buy, or

an illegal source for 80%