Gun Control
Gun control refers to the laws that govern ownership of firearms by civilians. Gun control laws limit the ownership and use of firearms in many ways:
- What firearms can be legally sold,
- What licensing and safety training is required to own a firearm,
- What paperwork must be filed when selling a firearm,
- How many rounds of ammunition a firearm's magazine can hold,
- What accessories or modifications are permitted on a firearm,
- How firearms may be stored and transported,
- Whether firearms may be carried and visible in public,
- Where firearms may be fired.
Gun control activists argue that the widespread ownership of guns and the low barriers to obtaining guns are the cause of many murders, mass shootings and fatal accidents. They argue that we need stricter licensing requirements, we should limit the sale of military-derived firearms like automatic weapons and assault rifles, and that we should place sensible limits on magazine capacities.
Pro-gun advocates argue that many firearms are used responsibly in sports like hunting and marksmanship, and that guns are required for personal protection, especially in rural areas where police response times are low. They also argue that a well-armed population is the best defense against a tyrannical government so widespread firearms ownership is fundamental to maintaining democracy.
Do you think that our gun control laws are too strict or too lax? What do you think about laws in the United States where gun control laws are much looser? How can we reduce the incidence of mass shootings and gun-related deaths?
Excerpt
Pro-gun advocates argue that many firearms are used responsibly in sports like hunting and marksmanship, and that guns are required for personal protection, especially in rural areas where police response times are low. They also argue that a well-armed population is the best defense against a tyrannical government so widespread firearms ownership is fundamental to maintaining democracy. Do you think that our gun control laws are too strict or too lax? What do you think about laws in the United States where gun control laws are much looser? How can we reduce the incidence of mass shootings and gun-related deaths?
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