Using Stricter Background Checks Can Reduce The Amount Of Crime

The studies and research on gun control has opened up many ideas on how weak the current laws really are. Crime rates consist of high numbers. “Since 1982, there have been at least 62 mass shootings across the country, with the killings unfolding in 30 states from Massachusetts to Hawaii”

An ever increasing emphasis on the prevention of mass shootings has presented the option of gun control and bans. Mass shootings have occurred many times throughout history, but have

Significance: This topic is extremely significant because gun rights are under attack from many politicians in America, who are attempting to take protection out of the hands of the law-abiding citizens of this great country. Current laws in much of the country control what kind of gun people can and cannot own, as well as when and where they can carry them (if at all). In addition, more restrictive gun laws have not reduced mass shootings and have allowed for a larger number of gun-related deaths to occur.

But, looking at this idea from a global standpoint, one could infer that other countries that uphold a strict “zero gun tolerance policy” still have higher crime rates than that of the United States (Kates, et al., 2006). According to Kleck and Patterson (2006), a huge issue for criminals is the ability to purchase guns illegally. Even with policies in the United States requiring background checks for gun purchases, the government will not be able to limit a criminal’s ability to attain guns (Kleck, et al., 2006). In Koper and Wilson’s study (2006), evidence is found to support how law enforcement aims to proactively reduce possession of illegal firearm with tactics such as gun detection patrols, surveillance of probationers and parolees, weapon reporting hotlines, etc. But, these gun control laws show to be ineffective with over 80% of incarcerated gun offenders having possessed guns illegally prior to confinement; while, more than a third of these offenders were already on either probation or parole when arrested for a firearm crime (Koper, et al.,

The thought of guns and the ability to commit mass murder is a chilling one. According to the The Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence, “an average of more than 100,000 people are shot every year in the United States” (Just the Facts: Gun Violence in America). Gun violence in America has reached epidemic proportions, surpassing rates of gun-related violence in other developed, high-income nations by 25 percent (Preidt). There is an urgent need for tighter gun laws in America. (5) In order to put an end to the growing trend of gun violence, the United States needs stricter legislation regarding the purchase and ownership of firearms. Although most gun advocates believe that stricter gun laws would not prevent mass shootings, stricter gun

Taking into account of the recent shooting sprees, the gun control debate has started again. However, people have contemplated: “Why does America need gun laws” and “Why are so many states disagreeing about the restrictions that need to be put in place for civilians looking to purchase firearms.” The reasoning for such contemplation is that the fluxuating strictness of gun laws have led to several incidences within states that have strict gun laws due to the fact that the perpetrators of these incidences have purchased their firearms either from black markets, or states where the severity of gun control is at minimal levels.

Gun control laws should regulate production, distribution, ownership and use of firearms by civilians. Gun control laws are not intended to dispossess law abiding citizens of licensed firearms but to intervene on reckless use of firearms that cause harm to the public. Gun control should also make it difficult for criminals to access firearms. Armed civilians have in many instances deterred acts of crime from being instigated by scaring away criminals. Nonetheless, gun laws can only be described as immensely lax. This essay seeks to argue for the enactment of strict gun control laws by highlighting the dangers posed by guns in the hands of members of the public.

Gun control has become an increasingly controversial topic in the nation due to the continuous debates relating to gun control and whether or not laws should be passed to make it harder for guns to be obtained. Guns serve for a variety of purposes that range from good to bad. Guns are not for everyone. Some individuals cannot handle guns properly, and some choose to use guns inappropriately. Lately, guns have become more of a problem in our society. There has been an increasing amount of shootings that have taken many lives and have wounded people emotionally, not just physically. Although guns are used for protection, firearms are reportedly used more in crimes. More and more shootings are breaking out across the nation. As a result, the

Compared to other countries, the U.S.A. accounts for more than 30% of mass shootings worldwide. By itself this statistic would be incredibly alarming, and paired with the fact that the U.S. contains only 5% of the world’s population it is absolutely terrifying (Gallagher 2). Part of the reason that mass attacks are so prevalent may be the readily accessible supply if firearms. This fact brings one to the logical conclusion that gun control is a policy that our representatives in the government need to consider thoroughly. While i do understand that this idea is even harder to accomplish in practice than it is to comprehend in theory, it is a direly needed first step to making our country a safer place to live.

Over this past decade, an increase in mass shootings has raised a concern in the control of firearms. With the ever-growing number of shootings, the death rate due to firearms has intensified. Thus, the controversy over gun control has caused society to push the government to re-evaluate the regulation of firearms in the United States. Hence, in order to keep and provide a safe environment for American citizens without fear of death by firearm, the government should regulate firearms.

There is presently much controversy regarding the U.S. and its position concerning gun control. With recent events such as the Newtown, Connecticut (a mass shooting involving 29 persons shot dead) dominating media devices, the public has become agitated concerning gun laws. The fact that these legislations provided an environment where guns can be used by a series of controversial individuals triggered alarm and influenced the masses to lobby with regard to reform. Even though gun control is especially important when considering conditions in the contemporary U.S., it is also significant for the authorities to acknowledge that guns are an active part of society and that people who meet a series of requirements associated with gun ownership need to have access to weapons.

In “The Gun Debate” Patricia Smith explores the effectiveness of gun control and new possible ways to make this country safer. However in “To Carry, or to not Carry” Thomas Willis explains the ways that guns, if operated and cared for properly, can protect you and others around you. The large controversy of whether new gun laws will effective continue to grow larger and more opinionated. After reading both “The Gun Debate” and “To Carry, or to not Carry” I decided that gun laws will be effective. There are many gun sales that go without record or background check of any sort, “... many small scale gun sellers claim to be “hobbyist,” who aren’t required to conduct background checks”(Smith,1).

Ever since the second amendment subsist into effect, entitled gun control remains a controversial topic in the United States, especially as mass shooting, homicide rates, and crime rates continue to rise. Statistics clearly reveal that among the fourteen worst shooting massacres that have occurred over the past years, half of them took place in the America. Tragic examples include incidents at the Columbine, Virginia Tech, and an Aurora movie theater. These rising numbers of mass shooting prove that the United States possesses one of the highest rates of gun-related violence among developed countries (Ballaro and Finley, Cook and Ludwig, Dao).

Of all the developed countries, the United States has overall the highest per capita rate of gun homicides. In the year 2015, Americans witnessed 372 mass shootings, and somehow it has become “normal”. The topic of gun control has been a huge debate for some time. Earlier this year, President Obama implemented executive actions on gun control, ultimately aiming to lower the gun violence and deaths occurring every day. However, this topic of debate will not be over anytime soon, that would mostly be due to the strong lobbying group the NRA having influence on Congress, and gun right activists.

In the past decade alone, there have been countless mass shootings in the United States alone resulting in a large body count. Whenever a mass shooting occurs, a debate always follows about how easy it is to obtain firearms, despite background checks that have been enacted to make it difficult to purchase firearms. Background checks are “designed to determine if the prospective buyer fits any criteria that prohibit purchase or possession of firearms, including a prior felony conviction, certain domestic violence misdemeanors, unlawful use of controlled substances or, inter alia, commitment to a mental institution.” (Vernick et al. 98). Background checks are necessary for public safety, but people manage to maneuver their way around background checks when it comes to purchasing a firearm. A background check is not required when purchasing from an unlicensed dealer such as an online store or dealers at a gun show. People prohibited from purchasing guns go through unlicensed dealers because they are not required by law to perform background checks for a firearm purchase. For example, four to ten percent of online shoppers are prohibited by law from possessing firearms, yet they still are looking around in online gun stores (98). Legislation should be passed to