By Jyoti Jha
Gun control measures, laws, and statutes are meant to restrict access to or the possession of firearms. Gun control and gun control laws have become a sensitive point in most states of the US. The national population of the United States seems to be quite torn on the debate and whether gun control laws violate one’s rights. The supporters of gun-control legislation hold that strict gun-control laws in a nation enhance responsible handling of arms. It saves lives by reducing accidents and crime, they say.
Major groups stand in support of carrying guns without many restrictions. They feel that lenient gun laws lead to safer environments. For them, carrying guns constitutes self-defense and, above all, is their constitutional right.
Why Are Gun Control Laws Important: Statistics
2020 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States of America have reported more than 45000 deaths caused by firearms. According to CDCP, 43 percent of those were caused by homicides. Firearm-related injuries make it to the top five in the list of causes of death in citizens of the United States (under 64 years of age).
Other than this, the number of school shootings in the United States has reached an all-time high. Lawmakers have reconsidered the easy gun access policies. Not bearing the political scenario in mind, strict gun laws have become the need of the hour owing to the safety of both adults and children, more so.
An American research poll conducted in 2021 showed that 50% and above US residents were in support of strict gun laws in the nation. Less than 20% held that gun laws should be more lenient.
Does the US Constitution Allow You to Carry Arms?
The Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution bestow the Right to possess arms and carry them. It states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” The major motive behind this phrase was to protect the sovereignty of the states from federal dominance.
Interpretations of The Second Amendment
The proponents of Gun Control Laws claim that this clause was included in the Bill of Rights primarily due to two reasons.
- To protect the settlements in the US against Native American protest and foreign intervention.
- To protect the state governments against federal domination.
The opponents of Gun Control Laws claim that this clause was included due to the following reasons:
- They hold that the second amendment protects the citizen’s right to carry arms.
- They also state that it is based on the “colonial law” that mandated each white male of an American household to carry arms for self-defense.
- Many hunting enthusiasts have stated that they like to keep guns handy.
New Gun Control Laws by State
Let us look into the current state of Gun Control laws in the US. Ever since the Biden administration came into force, new and significant gun safety laws have been voted to be enacted. States such as New York, California, and Delaware have introduced new laws that monitor ghost weapons in the system.
Colorado
In the state of Colorado, the Governor introduced the Vote Without Fear Act. One is prohibited from openly carrying firearms at any polling facility.
Delaware
In the state of Delaware, new measures were taken. They include:
- Stricter background checks for individuals looking to get firearms.
- A complete ban on assault rifles and controlling magazines of high capacity.
- In the state of California, there is a system that allows weapons to be confiscated from ineligible persons.
Illinois
In the state of Illinois, a new law was signed that prohibited selling and owning ghost weapons. All firearms are to be registered with a valid serial number.
New Jersey
In 2021, Mr. Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, brought about firearm safety regulations into force. These regulations were a part of his Gun Safety 3.0 package.
The Federal Scenario
The “Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives” controls all gun control laws in the United States. State legislatures also have an integral part to play. The legislature of the US allows the State to have a major say in what the state gun control laws will entail.
What are the 4 Cities with Toughest Gun Control Laws in the United States?
Although not many laws in the US restrict the sale of firearms, there have been federal initiatives to introduce stringent gun control laws post the unfortunate turn of events (school shootings).
Some state gun control laws are almost non-existent. Lawmakers there believe in the open carrying of guns as a part of their constitutional rights. 36 out of 50 states allow for guns to be openly carried without a license, for example, North Dakota, Arkansas, and Texas.
However, these four states have the strictest gun control measures in the nation: Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. The regulations require a person to go through thorough background checks and even a long waiting period to buy a gun.
Wrapping It Up!
It does not come as a surprise to many that the state of California, which has the strictest gun control measures in the nation, has the lowest number of gun-related deaths. In the state of Massachusetts, a person has to get a permit the purchase a gun. The process to get the permit takes a long time and requires immense paperwork, background checks, and even qualifying for an interview. Even after that, the head of the police department has the right to deny a person license to own a gun. The states that have the tough gun control laws actually have the lowest ownership of firearms. That being said, states all over the US are making efforts to safer use and purchase firearms.
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