Gun Control

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Gun Control

• Should the U.S. government ban the possession of
  handguns for normal citizens?

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• Public Opinion is mixed!

• 32 say YES ban hanguns
• 68 say NO they should stay legal

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Background Information

• When, Where and How did this become an issue?

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Bill of Rights 2nd Amendment 1791

• Declares a well-regulated militia as "being
  necessary to the security of a free State" and
  prohibits infringement of "the right of the
  people to keep and bear arms."
• Purpose of Amendment is so that the people can
  protect themselves from the government (after
  British rule, Americans were suspicious of
  governments with too much power)

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2nd Amendment is MISUNDERSTOOD

• Does it guarantee people the right to keep and
  bear arms to protect themselves against
  criminals?

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District of Columbia Firearms Control Regulations
Act of 1975

• Restricted residents, except active and retired
  law enforcement officers, from owning handguns.

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Parker Vs. District of Columbia 2007

• Claims the 1975 law is unconstitutional
• That right existed prior to the formation of
  the new government under the Constitution and was
  premised on the private use of arms for
  activities such as hunting and self-defense, the
  latter being understood as resistance to either
  private lawlessness or the depredations of a
  tyrannical government (or a threat from abroad).
• SUPREME COURT has agreed to hear this case!

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Other Recent Events

• April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech shooting 33 dead
• February 14, 2008 Northern Illinois Shooting 5
  dead

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Two Sides of the DEBATE

• Ban Handguns VS. Keep Handguns Legal

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Ban Handguns

• There will be fewer deaths as a result of
  handguns.

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Ban Handguns

• The 2nd amendment limits the right to bear arms
  to a well-regulated militia

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Do NOT Ban Handguns

• A Handgun ban will not result in lower homicide
  or violent crime rates

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Englands Violent Crime Rates Rise after enacting
a gun ban in 1997
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Despite handgun ban in D.C.
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Do NOT Ban Handguns

• 2nd Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms
  against a tyrannical government and for self
  defense/protection