Enforcing Gun Control to Protect American Citizens and Economy

Abstract

Why American government should enforce gun control Introduction Gun Control Act of 1968 limits gun ownership by prohibiting interstate firearms transfers among unlicensed manufacturers, dealers and importers. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Gun Control Act of 1968 into law on October 22nd 1968. This code became law in entire America and mandated the licensing of individuals and companies engaged in selling firearms. Gun Control Act of 1968 effectively prohibited direct mail-order of loaded weapons (firearms) and instead advocated for federally licensed firearm dealers. The primary purpose of enacting this bill into law was directed to regulating interstate commerce in firearms. Based on a report compiled on TIME magazine by Waxman, it is confirmed that with the passing of the Gun Control Act of 1968, an immediate ban of interstate shipment of firearms as well as ammunition to private individuals, and also the sale of guns to mentally handicapped, minors and drug addicts was made effective. For this reason, this essay will focus on the reasons why gun control is beneficial to the growth of the American economy and its citizens in general. Facts will be provided to support the arguments and claims in the essay to offer a detailed analysis supporting the topic of discussion. Brief history on the 2nd Amendment: Right to Own Gun in the US It is a fundamental right to own a gun in the US. Gun ownership right is protected by the Second Amendment of the United States constitution, parts of the Bills of Rights, and the Constitutions of most US states. The 2nd Amendment states, "A well regulated, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right to own Arms shall not be infringed" (Gostin and Duranske, 2018). In the past, gun ownership in the US was based on self-defence, hunting and recreation purpose. Currently, guns are owned for leisure and some for self-defense. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the US government and its citizens to ensure that this right is not misused as it can lead to gun violence, deaths, and accidents, among others. Such argument defines the need for gun control enforcement and adherence amongst the American populace. Misuse of the rights defined in the 2nd Amendment regarding gun ownership is well defined in the United States v. Miller case, which brought new lights on the need for enforcement of gun control measures (WAXMAN, 2020). In this case, Jack Miller and Frank Layton engaged in the transportation of sawed-off double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun in intersect commerce which the gun control Act of 1968 aimed at regulating. For this reason, the case subjected them to violation of the National Firearms Act of 1934, which was later revised and endorsed as the Gun Control Act of 1968. The offenders were aware of their rights as defined in the 2nd Amendment, which they interpreted as their protector concerning gun ownership and use activity. For this reason, the two argued that NFA violated their 2nd Amendments right to keep and bear arms regardless of their mission with the weapon. The district court, therefore, agreed with Miller and Layton and dismissed the case. However, with the Supreme Court's intervention, District Court experienced a reversal upon realizing the violation of the NFA measures and abuse of their powers as defined in the 2nd Amendment. The Supreme Court held that the 2nd Amendment does not protect the possession of weapons whose relationship with preservation or efficacy of well-regulated militia remains undefined (Galaro, 2017). Such rulings are clear indicators of gun control's relevance to limit evil missions that gun holders and the seller may have in their minds. Other than facts from a case scenario, other potential reasons support gun control amongst the American economy and its citizens in general. Reducing cases of deaths, especially mass death Based on the current news, the gun control process has been considered due to a rise in death rates due to the misuse of these firearms. Most of the illegal shootings in the US happen from legally owned/ purchased firearms. Research has revealed over 70 mass shootings in America which covered more than three decades of incidents. It is clear that out of the 75% of incidents researched, legally owned guns were used to kill. For this reason, the need to limit those who can acquire and own guns in the US is essential. NRA claims that guns have helped...