Gun Control By: Shanna Luedtke Nico Jao Shawn Stacey

Introduction and History Second Amendment – December 15, – the Sullivan Act 1930s – first federal gun control laws 1934 – the National Firearms Act (NFA) 1938 – Federal Firearms Act 1960s – series of political assassinations 1968 – Gun Control Act 1994 to 2004 – calls to reinstate a ban on assault weapons 2008 – District of Columbia vs. Heller January 8, 2011 – shooting at a political gathering

Pro Explanations Pro Limit access of dangerous weapons to dangerous criminals Decrease homicide, suicide, and accidents 100,000 people killed by gun a year No significant constitutional barrier or social cost Aids law enforcement Gun control makes it easier for the government and police to enforce the law

Con Explanations Con Allows for self-protection when life is threatened and helps people save others in danger Owning a gun allows for people to live more responsible lives Gun owners learn self-discipline by changing habits and attitudes to prevent disaster Gives people a sense of security (psychological comfort) Violation and restriction of the 2 nd amendment Gun control only restricts those who obey the law and can potentially increase crime. For example, criminals can access firearms with illegal methods and the law-abiding citizens are left defenseless

Interest Groups National Rifle Association Emphasizes the 2nd amendment Freedom from government oppression Murder rate decreased when assault weapon ban was lifted Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Repeal the Tiahrt Amendment Renew the Assault Weapons Ban Close the "gun show loophole" Prohibiting individuals who are on any government watch list from purchasing firearms

Evidence/Statistics Age Group Fatal Firearm Accidents Percent of Fatal Accidents <1 yrs 1 0.1% 1-4 yrs % 5-9 yrs % yrs % yrs % yrs % yrs % yrs % yrs % 65+ yrs %

Evidence/Statistics

Evidence/Statistics inmates-1997?library_node=69386

Recent Developments Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act – Introduced to prohibit civilians possession of military style magazines January 8, nineteen people, including Gabrielle Giffords (Representative) and John Roll (Judge), were shot outside a grocery store with a handgun equipped with a large capacity ammunition magazine. Gun Show Loophole Bills – Introduced to close gun show loopholes which allow people to buy guns at gun shows in most states without passing a Brady criminal background check. National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act – House of Representatives passed a self-defense measure that would enable permit holders to carry firearms while traveling outside their home states. Veteran Second Amendment Protection Act – Provide individual receiving veterans’ benefits with protection against the loss of right to possess firearms due to mental health reasons.

Political Parties Republican Party – Against Gun Control Open more land for hunting Against petty gun lawsuits and gun licensing Right to bear arms Democratic Party – For Gun Control Reauthorize assault weapon ban Close gun show loophole Strengthen gun control = reduce violence Libertarian Party – Against Gun Control Constitutional Right Learn from the mistakes of the Prohibition Right of Self Defense Personal Responsibility

Public Opinion Polls

Public Opinion Polls just-one-third-favor-ban-sale-all-handguns

Videos n (watch until 2:10) right-to-bear-arms (watch whole video)

Works Cited Agresti, James D. "Gun Control." Just Facts. Web. 15 Dec Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence : Home. Web. 15 Dec "Gun Control." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 15 Sept Web. 13 Dec "Guns, Democracy and Freedom." Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. CSGV. Web. 13 Dec "Gun Laws | Libertarian Party." Libertarian Party | Maximum Freedom, Minimum Government. Web. 15 Dec "Handgun Control, Inc." NNDB: Tracking the Entire World. Web. 15 Dec "In U.S., Continuing Record-Low Support for Stricter Gun Control." Gallup.Com - Daily News, Polls, Public Opinion on Government, Politics, Economics, Management. Web. 15 Dec "More Gun Control? Don't Hold Your Breath - CBS News." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. Web. 15 Dec Nagourney, Adam, and Jennifer Steinhauer. "Gun Control - News." Times Topics - The New York Times. 15 Dec Web. 15 Dec "NRA-ILA :: More Guns, Less Crime Again." NRA-ILA. NRA, 15 Sept Web. 13 Dec