NCJ Number
15061
Date Published
1972
Length
85 pages
Annotation
GUN CONTROL LAWS ARE SEEN AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS GIVEN IN THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND AS A THREAT TO CITIZENS' SELF-DEFENSE ABILITY.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IS GIVEN UNDER THE SECOND AMENDMENT OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND UNDER MANY STATE CONSTITUTIONS. HE STATES THAT POPULAR OPINION IS AGAINST GUN CONTROL. SUCH LEGISLATION IS NOT PRACTICAL TO ENFORCE, DOES NOT HELP REDUCE OR SOLVE CRIME, AND BENEFITS CRIMINALS BY DENYING HONEST CITIZENS A MEANS OF PROTECTION. HE CITES THE INCREASE IN CRIME IN SPITE OF THESE LAWS AS DEMONSTRATING THEIR INEFFECTIVENESS AND REINFORCES HIS VIEW WITH MANY INSTANCES IN WHICH A GUN DID OR COULD HAVE PREVENTED A CRIME. MANY SUPPORTING CHARTS AND TABLES ARE PRESENTED, AS WELL AS DETAILED NARRATIVE ACCOUNTS OF TWO WIDELY PUBLICIZED CRIMES IN WHICH SELF-DEFENSE USING A GUN MIGHT HAVE AVERTED A TRAGEDY.