Gun Control - Research Paper Example

Thesis statement: The research work on gun control proves that the possession of semi automatics by average people must be prohibited because military firearms must not be used by civilians, and uncontrolled possession of firearms ultimately leads to violence, injuries, and increase in mortality rate. Background information In the modern world, arms industry controls the production and supply of weapons in international level. In addition, civilian ownership and possession of weapons is interconnected with the growth and development of arms industry in global level.

At the same time, development of arms industry indirectly influences the illegal trade and possession of weapons. During the Civil War era, the African American slaves were not allowed to own weapons, especially guns. So, one can see that gun control in America is deeply rooted in the socio-political scenario. Kristin A. Goss states that, “The image of America as a gun culture is also at odds with attitudes toward gun ownership” (6). But the freedom from slavery was not helpful for the African Americans to gain the freedom to possess weapons for self-defense.

In 18th century, the arms industry began to influence the national politics and most states in America began to provide importance to the revenue from arms industry. So, the civilians began to consider the possession of arms as their right. Besides, legal sanction to purchase and possess of weapons was equally important to the states and the arms industry. Now, the ownership of weapons is a burning issue in the society because the same leads to a number of legal and moral problems. So, one can easily identify the fact that lobbying is an important factor that prevents the government from taking apt decision on gun control.

Gun control Acts/laws in U.S. The most important gun control Acts/laws in the U.S. include: the National Firearms Act (1934), the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Gun Control Act of 1968, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993) and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005). The National Firearms Act (1934) deals with the taxation on the production and supply of firearms in the U.S. Geraldine Woods states that, “Buyers, who also paid a high tax, were to be fingerprinted and investigated before the purchase could be completed” (33).

One can see that this Act aims to control the illegal production and supply of firearms. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, deals with the supply and possession of weapons in the U.S. Besides, this Act aimed to control the production and possession of weapons in the U.S. The Gun Control Act of 1968 deals with the control on firearms industry and those who possess weapons. One can see that this Act aims to control illegal transportation of weapons in the U.S. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993) aims to control the uncontrolled purchasing of weapons by the civilians in U.S. Larry J.

Siegel states that, “The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, amending the Gun Control Act of 1968, imposed a waiting period of five days before a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer may sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual” (145). To be specific, this Act authorizes the authorities to collect information on those who decide to own weapons and to take apt decisions on the same. The