[Does Stricter Gun Control Laws Infringe on the Second Amendment]

by

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Importance of gun control and gun violence3

Prevalence of Gun Violence in Society3

Second Amendment4

Legislation5

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gun Control Legislations5

The Second Amendment and Gun Control - Steve Daines views and reforms6

The failure of gun control7

Recommendations8

WORKS CITED10

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

Gun control, gun violence is one of the most debated issues in America. Bearing weapons is not a new practice in America because; it is protected by the Second Amendment of the American constitution. This section gives and insight to what previous studies have concluded regarding the contemporary trends in gun control, legal problems pertaining to the issue, and recommendations for solving this problem that has haunted the American public for centuries.

Importance of gun control and gun violence

Due to increase in crime rates in the Western world, the gun violence has gained an international exposure. Thus the governments are forced to implement legislations focusing on the control of guns and other weapons used in crimes. A comparative study of 13 countrie, which was conducted by a team of researchers, showed that the crime rates in these countries have steadily increased during the past five years. Legislation against gun violence in Chicago has had a positive impact on the control of violence and the crimes, in which a weapon was used, showed a remarkable declining tendency (Correa, p. 25-26).

Prevalence of Gun Violence in Society

There are many factors that have contributed to the prevailing culture, in America in general, and Chicago in particular. Racial discrimination and segregation has led to the prevalence of gun violence in non-white communities. In a study, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI), most of the black youngsters, (68 percent approximately), aged between 12 to 15 years were found to commit a crime with a handgun. The percentage among the white was nominal and stood at 10 percent only (Correa, p. 25-26). Violent television programs have played a vital role in enticing the youth to acquire a gun and commit a crime, just like the character was portraying, while playing the role. This is clear brainwashing and has influenced the psyche of the youth to such an extent that they have become hypnotized.

Poverty and lack of facilities also provoke a sense of insecurity among the individuals, who possess a racial background. Most of the families are living below the poverty line. The adolescents use different tactics, including theft, murder, robbery, and other illegal means to acquire a gun. Gun violence has affected not only the adults but children also. It is reported that in the year 2000, approximately 3,500 students were expelled from their schools on account of possessing or showing a gun or any other fire arm. The situation is alarming and needs immediate attention (Correa, p. 25-26).

Second Amendment

The second amendment of the constitution provides the individual citizen of the United States, the right to bear arms. This is a controversial amendment and has met with considerable criticism over the last few ...