1. Hannah Watterson
2/12/14
FYS
What underlying issues are being debated in the readings?
o The underlying issues are whether gun control is the best for citizens of the United
States or not. How strict the gun control law should be. Who should be allowed to
own a gun and who should not? Whether or not everybody should have the right to
“bear arms.” Why should civilians have the right to own any kind of gun they want?
According to supporters of stricter gun control, what are some possible advantages in
favor of supporting the issue?
o Those who want stricter gun control have advantages such as: Less gun shootings.
Guns are designed to kill. Hunters use guns to kill animals, some humans use guns
to kill people. If we had stricter gun control, there would be less shooting. Gun
control could save many more lives if it was a stricter law. “Nobody needs an AK-47
to kill a deer.” Background checks are important if somebody wants to buy a gun.
According to those in opposition, what are some possible disadvantages to stricter gun
control laws?
o Disadvantages to stricter gun control laws could be that civilians could still get guns
illegally. What if a robber came in your house and you had no guns to protect
yourself or your family? Many people in the United States of America own guns and
use them responsibly. Owning guns is a responsibility. Though many people do not

2. use them the correct way, which is no reason to punish others who do use them the
right way. . Instead of trying to control guns, perhaps the time has come for
Americans to take a hard look at why so many of our citizens feel the need to use
guns irresponsibly. (Point: Controlling Gun Violence is More Important than
Controlling Guns.)
What fallacies of reasoning emerge from the debate?
o You can’t control guns all the time. Publics can get them illegally if they really want
them.
What alternative policy/programs have been proposed or might be developed?
o To have background checks on anyone who wants to purchase a gun.
What implications does the debate have for families in society?
o To be responsible with firearms.

3. Gun control refers to any action taken by the Federal Government or by state or local
governments to regulate, through Legislation, the sale, purchase, safety, and use of handguns
and other types of firearms by individual citizens. (Gun Control: an overview)
“Constitutional rights are defined in part on the basis of community expectations and
considerations.” (BLOCHER J. Firearm Localism. Yale Law Journal) Yes, guns can be dangerous,
but if someone were to try to rob you, if you pull out your gun, they will perhaps rethink their
decision and leave you alone for fear of getting shot. When somebody owns a gun, they feel
safer because they can protect themselves. If there were stricter gun control laws, there would
surely be people hoarding their weapons. Perhaps there would be fewer murders by shooting,
but what about stabbing? People could purchase guns illegally if they wanted to. The word
“arms” in the second amendment means “anything that a man useth to cast or strike another.”
Now, it has been misunderstood to “encompass weapons in the common usage.” (McGovern,
Owen. "The Responsible Gun Ownership Ordinance And Novel Textual Questions About The
Second Amendment.") Every individual has the right to own a gun if he/she desires. They
should not have their rights taken away. Guns can save lives and help people. Yes, there have
been school shootings but taking away guns from every US citizen? That is not the correct
answer. Only take away guns from criminals, not responsible citizens of the United States.

4. BLOCHER, JOSEPH. "Firearm Localism." Yale Law Journal 123.1 (2013): 82-146. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
Lee, M.Stingl, Alexander. "Gun Control: An Overview." Points Of View: Gun Control (2013): 1.
Points of View Reference Center.Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
McGovern, Owen. "The Responsible Gun Ownership Ordinance And Novel Textual Questions
About The Second Amendment." Journal Of Criminal Law & Criminology 102.2 (2012): 471-496.
Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Feb. 2014
Kirn, Walter. "I've Owned Six Guns I've Drawn Them On Bad Guys I Want To Be Understood."
New Republic 244.1 (2013): 30-35. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.