End the Violence: Does the Legalization of Firearms Make America More or Less Dangerous?

Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name

Dr. Katherine Kipp

Proposal Track

Student

Session Format

Paper Presentation

Abstract

The Second Amendment right allowing American citizens to keep and bear arms is a very controversial topic that is hotly debated all across our nation. On one side of the debate, Americans argue that laws forbidding citizens to possess and carry firearms only restrict law-abiding citizens, and are thus not effective in eliminating the potential for gun violence. They emphatically cite numerous examples of well-trained, responsible individuals who, when armed, are capable of defending themselves and others against violent attackers. On the other side of this debate, equally passionate Americans wonder how adding more guns to a situation can reduce the potential for violence. They fear that untrained individuals could exacerbate an already dangerous situation if someone were to try to put a stop to an attack in progress. Clearly, there are strong emotions and legitimate concerns on both sides of this issue. Both sides also frequently tend to distort the data to support their own position, leading to further division and mistrust on both sides. As the number of gun-related deaths in the United States continues to rise, the only part of this issue that all Americans seem to agree on is that we have to do something to end the violence.

This presentation looks beyond the talking points and emotional arguments to focus on the real data about gun violence in America. I start by discussing the historical background for the Second Amendment, which is a frustratingly vague sentence in our Bill of Rights that is often referenced on both sides of this debate to support each viewpoint. I then discuss the advances made in firearm technology and how today’s weapons differ from those used by the founders of our nation. Next, I show a brief overview of major incidents involving guns in America, focusing on school shootings. After covering this historical and technological background, I address common arguments and counterarguments made on both sides of this debate, helping to clarify some of the common misunderstandings. Looking at the history of and data about gun violence in America helps to shed light on whether the legal possession and carrying of firearms in our society is beneficial or detrimental to our own safety and to the safety of our families and society.

Award Consideration

1

Location

Room 2911

Presentation Year

2014

Start Date

11-15-2014 11:05 AM

End Date

11-15-2014 12:05 PM

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Nov 15th, 11:05 AM Nov 15th, 12:05 PM

End the Violence: Does the Legalization of Firearms Make America More or Less Dangerous?

Room 2911

The Second Amendment right allowing American citizens to keep and bear arms is a very controversial topic that is hotly debated all across our nation. On one side of the debate, Americans argue that laws forbidding citizens to possess and carry firearms only restrict law-abiding citizens, and are thus not effective in eliminating the potential for gun violence. They emphatically cite numerous examples of well-trained, responsible individuals who, when armed, are capable of defending themselves and others against violent attackers. On the other side of this debate, equally passionate Americans wonder how adding more guns to a situation can reduce the potential for violence. They fear that untrained individuals could exacerbate an already dangerous situation if someone were to try to put a stop to an attack in progress. Clearly, there are strong emotions and legitimate concerns on both sides of this issue. Both sides also frequently tend to distort the data to support their own position, leading to further division and mistrust on both sides. As the number of gun-related deaths in the United States continues to rise, the only part of this issue that all Americans seem to agree on is that we have to do something to end the violence.

This presentation looks beyond the talking points and emotional arguments to focus on the real data about gun violence in America. I start by discussing the historical background for the Second Amendment, which is a frustratingly vague sentence in our Bill of Rights that is often referenced on both sides of this debate to support each viewpoint. I then discuss the advances made in firearm technology and how today’s weapons differ from those used by the founders of our nation. Next, I show a brief overview of major incidents involving guns in America, focusing on school shootings. After covering this historical and technological background, I address common arguments and counterarguments made on both sides of this debate, helping to clarify some of the common misunderstandings. Looking at the history of and data about gun violence in America helps to shed light on whether the legal possession and carrying of firearms in our society is beneficial or detrimental to our own safety and to the safety of our families and society.