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Essay / Gun control in the United States - 1344
Mass shootings — defined by the FBI as four or more murders occurring during the same calamity, with no distinct time period between the homicides (series of murders ) — hit across the United States. United States at a rate of approximately one every two weeks since 2006 (Mass Shooting Database, 2006-2013). This catastrophic statistic has rightly sparked much debate regarding gun restraints. Gun control theory concerns any effort to regulate, define, or limit the possession, production, sale, and use of firearms. Since its conception, the Second Amendment – guaranteeing the “right to bear arms” – has been extremely controversial. Gun control advocates suggest that limiting gun ownership would reduce the number of violent crimes, suicides, and gun-related deaths; rigorous background checks and mandatory waiting periods would help deter criminals and potential tragedies; and that assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines should be banned from public use, because police officers and military personnel are the only public servants who actually need them. Opponents argue that criminals will always find a way to obtain their guns, leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless; crimes are often prevented thanks to the prophylactic effect of the possibility of the victim being in possession of a firearm; and that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the right of individuals to own firearms. Gun control is a massive system that galvanizes Americans into several dilemmas; therefore, it is essential to be aware of the pure facts associated with gun restriction, and even more crucial to understand the pros and cons. Guns related to gun control policies are generally classified into three broad categories...... middle of paper. .....depending on the government for security and fortification is a nightmare. Works Cited Cook, Philip J. and Jens Ludwig. Guns in America: Results of a comprehensive national survey of firearm ownership and use. Washington, DC: Police Foundation, 1996. Print. “Justifiable firearm homicides and non-lethal self-defense firearm use.” » Washington, DC: Violence Policy Center, April 2013. PDF. Hemenway, David. Private weapons, public health. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 2004. Print. “Domestic Straw Purchases: How Criminals Obtain Guns Illegally.” » Mayors against illegal weapons, 2008. Print. Leonard, Barry, ed. No questions asked: background checks, gun shows and crime. Np:DIANE, 2008. Print.Webster, Daniel W. and Jon S. Vernick. Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis. 1st ed. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Univ., 2013. Print.