“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.”- Amendment II to the U.S. Constitution GUN RIGHTS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS

GUNS SAVE PEOPLE

GUNS HURT PEOPLE

BRIEF HISTORY OF GUN CONTROL ACTS nd Amendment is passed Georgia passes a law banning handguns “Black codes” are created Federal Firearms Act is enacted Gun free school zones implemented All new manufactured handguns must have trigger lock LA County board bans the Great Western Gun Show

GALLUP POLL STATISTICS The following are Gallup Poll statistics taken in the United States, October 2013: 27% own a gun 74% oppose civilian handgun bars 40% blame easy access to guns for mass shootings 56% support a ban on assault weapon 65% support more background checks 48% say that the failure of the mental health system to identify people of danger is to blame for mass shootings Mass killing toll is at 934 deaths in the past 7 years. This accounts for less than 1% of all gun-related homicides.

CURRENT POLICIES AROUND THE WORLD Strict: Works: Japan Several examinations must be passed before a license must be obtained The residence of the prospective owner must be examined and a safe must be used to hold the firearm. Ammunition must be stored separately Doesn’t: East Timor Firearms may not be owned by anyone outside the police and military Have had issues with gun smuggling and otherwise illegal gun ownership

CURRENT POLICIES AROUND THE WORLD Lax: Works: Sweden A license must be acquired from the police Must be age 18 or older (may be waived) One of the highest gun ownership/person nations Doesn’t: Brazil Guns must be registered Millions of firearms are not registered Has one of the highest homicide by firearm rates Second largest firearm producer in the western hemisphere

CURRENT LAWS IN U.S. Federal: Mostly left up to state legislatures. Any U.S. citizen (over age 18) can own and carry firearms for lawful purposes such as defense or hunting Handgun sales are restricted to those age 21 and over. The right to carry a firearm can be revoked after convictions of violent or drug-related crimes, or if an individual is found mentally incompetent. Prohibited in schools, and certain federally own properties. Strictest State: California All firearm sales must go through a licensed dealer Handguns must be registered. A written examination is required before any firearm purchase, including long guns Weakest State: Utah No permits of any kind are required for firearm purchases No registration of any weapons required

CURRENT PROPOSALS President Obama’s Plan Includes Closing background check loopholes to keep guns out of dangerous hands Require background checks for all gun sales Strengthen the background check system by facilitating the sharing of information by states. Banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and taking other common-sense steps to reduce gun violence Limit magazines to 10 rounds Strengthen and reinstate assault weapon ban that existed from Making schools safer Place up to 1000 more school resource officers and counselors in schools Help schools develop emergency management plans. Increasing access to mental health services Ensure students and young adults receive treatment for mental health issue.

CURRENT PROPOSALS (CONT.) West Virginia Senate Bill 317 (actually just signed into law.) Uniformity of regulations across state Removes three-day waiting period on purchasing some handguns and limits on purchasing handguns to one-per- month Eliminates municipalities’ ability to regulate firearms in municipally-owned property that is rented out to private business. Limits buildings where municipalities can restrict the carrying of firearms to itemized and specific locations (ie courthouse, city hall) Allows for the storage of firearms on municipal property when in personal vehicles, locked and out of sight.

DISCUSSION QUESTION 1 Should there be some type of exam or other way of standardizing who is mentally capable of owning a handgun?

DISCUSSION QUESTION 2 Is media sensationalism a major factor in determining public opinion with regard to gun laws?

DISCUSSION QUESTION 3 Are there specific types of guns that should be restricted more than others? If so, what are they?

DISCUSSION QUESTION 4 Would firearm education in public schools help to prevent firearm-related injuries?

DISCUSSION QUESTION 5 Does the U.S. government have the power to remove firearms from the hands of citizens? Should it?