GUN CONTROL

1. GUN CONTROL By: Vincenzo De Vita and Katelyn Dianese

2. Gun Control • Gun control is a big topic worldwide. Many believe that firearms, more specifically, handguns should be banned in the United States due to the amount of crimes involving gun usage. Others think that we need guns to protect and keep ourselves safe. • The 2nd Amendment protects an individuals right to bear arms. • 91% of American citizens believe that there should be a minor restriction on gun ownership. 57% Americans say there should be a major restriction or a ban. • Recently, a large number of mass shootings have occurred across the nation. • Sandy Hook Elementary School • Fort Hood Army Base • Binghamton , N.Y. Immigrant Shooting • Virginia Tech • Aurora, Colorado • Many believe that a ban on guns would create a black market for firearms.

3. Proposed Law We proposed that a law be made which says, “Any firearm that carries six or less bullets shall be limited to use by only a person who is a registered gun owner and has no history of felonies, regardless of the severity of the crime they had committed. Any firearm that carries seven or more bullets shall only be permitted to be used for work purposes only by certain people, such as a police officer or a military soldier.”

4. Individual Rights The Common Good Our law supports the individual rights of citizens because… • The 2nd amendment is not infringed. • The people are now safer but still protected. • Everyone is born with the right to bear arms, but it is up to them to maintain that right. Our law supports the common good because… • Safety is the major concern of the law. • Peoples’ rights are not infringed. • It prevents convicted felons from possessing firearms.

5. Supporting our Law with Court Cases Heller v. District of Columbia Possession of handguns is prohibited under the District of Columbia law. Heller wanted a handgun for protection outside of his workplace. On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional. Precedent: “The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.” Relation to Our Proposed Law • Allows firearms for protection • The legal firearm is unconnected with service in a militia Caron v. United States Caron a convicted felon had the right to own firearms like rifles and shotguns but not handguns. The Second Amendment states that it “forbids a person convicted of a serious offense to possess any firearm.” Supreme Court ruled that Caron was too dangerous possess any guns. Precedent: The Second Amendment “forbids felons from possessing firearms and enhances their sentences for a violation.” Relation to Our Proposed Law • Forbids felons from possessing firearms • Increases their sentence if they are caught with a firearm

6. Supporting our Law with Current Events Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting December 12, 2012. • On December 12, 2012, twenty-year old Adam Lanza went to the Sandy Hook school and shot 26 people; 20 children and 6 adults. • The shooting is considered the second most deadly shooting in American history. • Made gun control a central issue. Relation to Our Proposed Law • Shows how the possession of firearms with many bullets can help people do terrible things • Shows how gun ownership should be regulated to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, especially those who have mental issues Teachers Carrying Guns in School • “Three- fourths of the nation’s teachers say they wouldn’t bring firearms to their school if they were allowed, but most of them believe that armed guards would help the situation.” • “The proposed law would have allowed people with permits to carry concealed weapons and with extra training, to bring their guns to traditional "gun-free" zones such as day care centers and schools.” • “Educators surveyed nationwide stated that generally feel safe in their schools, but disagree on whether their workplaces were safe from gun violence.” Relation to Our Proposed Law • Allows trained personnel to carry weapons for safety • Even though guns would be in a school, our law would ban guns with more than six bullets and would decrease the chances of a mass shooting.