The topic of gun control legislation is a key component of the criminal justice system. The use of guns by law abiding citizens has positive affects on crime and is perfectly legal if all requirements for registering a gun have been fulfilled. This paper will discuss the topic of gun control legislation in the areas of its history, the public attitude towards gun control and gun control legislation, and how the ownership of guns affects violence and crime rates in the United States.
The controversial topic of gun control legislation in America is one that has been around for centuries dating back to the formation of the United States. There have been many acts, bills, laws, and even an amendment passed to try to settle this topic, but still it is up in arms:
According to Ferro (2001):
Few issues incite Americans more than gun control. The debate over gun ownership has provoked strong emotions for years and shows no sign of abating.
English: Detail of Preamble to Constitution of the...
United States
United StatesAre gun ownership rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, or should guns be banned or restricted because they are used to commit crimes? Some people argue that the individual right to bear arms is not as vital as it was in 1791, nor that it applies to individuals; others argue that it is an individual right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. (pp. 1)
Before the United States was an established country and England had control over the colonies, English law on gun control was used by the people of the colonies. The English law on gun control was founded by an English jurist Sir William Blackstone. Blackstone had a book called Commentaries, and in the book was the British law of gun control. It stated that, "The right of having and using arms for self-preservation and defense."...