Stronger Gun Control Laws Will Save Lives: Annotated Bibliography

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Annotated Bibliography: Gun Control Laws

Thesis: Gun control laws and whether they should be controlled or not have become a widely argued and controversial topic. Many people believe that we need stricter laws addressing and handling guns in our communities while others believe that it is their god given right to bear arms to protect themselves. The real issue is whether they are using their guns for protection or harm and the lack of control and monitoring possession and sales of arms in the United States.

Murray, Douglas R. ‘Handguns, gun control laws, and firearm violence.’ Social Problems 23.1 (1975): 81-93.Web.

Douglas R. Murray is a research analyst at the Wisconsin state council on criminal justice under the sponsorship of the University of Wisconsin. In his article, he states that gun laws are not effectively controlling access to firearms. Gun violence, handguns, and gun controls all have a closely tied cause-and-effect relationship with each other. Different types of access to handguns, strict or loose, have no effect on the rates of violent crime and accidents involving firearms, proving our current gun laws ineffective. This article uses statistics, surveys, and census materials to show the reader how unacceptable our current gun laws are.

Zimring, Franklin E. ‘Firearms and federal law: the Gun Control Act of 1968.’ The Journal of Legal Studies 4.1 (1975): 133-198.

The author of this article Franklin E. Zimring is a criminologist and law professor at the UC Berkeley of Law. In 1968 the Gun Control Act was created with the purpose to provide federal, state, and local law enforcement officials fight against crime and violence. The rate of gun violence, however, has skyrocketed. This article studies the effects of gun control and studies the issues that have come to be after this act had been enacted.

Cook, Philip J., and James A. Leitzel. ‘Perversity, Futility, Jeopardy: An Economic Analysis of the Attack on Gun Control.’ Law & Contemp. Probs. 59 (1996): 91.

This article talks about the three arguments over the effects of reform called “Perversity, Futility, and Jeopardy” and why anti-gun control advocates don’t want our current gun laws. The first argument states that reform can have the opposite effect of what was originally intended. The second argument states that there will be no effect at all. The third argument states that reform will work however it would come at the price of the people’s constitutional rights.

Jacobs, James B. Can gun control work? Oxford University Press, 2002.

This article talks about the infamous question “Will gun control work?” Jacobs gives an in-depth view of the politics involved in gun control and examines the chances that legislative action to control illegal firearms will be successful. He systemizes the legislative initiatives that have already been acquired but also addresses the issues that we face constitutionally, politically, and practically and how effective these laws will be in a society not fully devoted to the cause. He addresses the potential issues and struggles with implementing laws that not everybody is on board with.

‘Gov. Cuomo Strengthens New York’s, Gun Laws.’ USNews.com, 4 Sept. 2019. Gale In Context: Science,https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A598432920/SCIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=SCIC&xid=ebe4667a. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed two bills in relation to New York’s gun control laws. The bills state that out-of-state people who are buying guns from New York must agree to mental health background checks and police are allowed to have a copy of the buyer’s firearm application. He speaks about how while Washington just stands around and watches the gun violence epidemic forming, New York is taking a stand and enacting stricter gun control laws to help limit unnecessary disasters. These laws allow police officers to search someone and to see whether or not they own a firearm before responding to the scene. New York has also enacted two other laws, The Red Flag law allowing the court to revoke gun privileges from someone who is deemed not emotionally fit for a firearm, and the SAFE Act which denies felons and people with mental illnesses from purchasing a gun.

‘Study: Stricter state gun laws keep firearms out of hands of youth.’ CNN Wire, 21 Sept. 2015. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A429354136/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=31d8d5d7. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

This CNN article addresses how stricter gun laws lower the chances of youth getting a hold of firearms. Teens who live in states that have less restrictive gun laws have a higher chance of living with someone who has a gun, having easier access to getting a gun or having one of their own. The easier access to guns means that more teenagers will be able to carry guns. Strengthening the gun control laws in these less restrictive states and limiting and or reducing adult gun ownership will lower the chances of these firearms getting into the wrong hands. In this article, it is believed that laws that require adults to have guns locked and inaccessible to youths and higher age restrictions for guns can help decrease gun violence in teenagers drastically because they want to have these guns to make themselves feel safe. The point made is that strong gun control laws for these adults lower the use significantly for children.

“Do tougher gun laws lead to ‘dramatically lower rates of gun violence’?’ Washingtonpost.com, 17 ct. 2017. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A510274145/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=790450b6. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

This article studies a gun violence article written using facts to prove a point that stricter gun laws do have a strong impact on lessening gun violence. States more involved in the movement for stricter gun laws have a much lower rate of gun violence. This article addresses both sides of the gun control debate. One side claims that it is their right to bear arms and many of the gun control laws aren’t even making an effect. The other side states that we need stronger gun control laws after the recent mass shooting and that we need to get easily accessible guns out of the hands of criminals and those who don’t know how to use them safely and properly. It talks about the facts on both different sides. Stronger gun control laws do work and repealing gun laws has an increase in gun violence. After each different shooting, there is always an argument between both political parties that guns are our rights versus guns are hurting more than helping

‘State lawmakers propose stricter gun laws to keep firearms out of criminals’ hands.’ CNN Wire, 6 Feb. 2020, p. NA. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A613316577/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=2b975991. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

After two police officers in Hawaii were shot and killed it prompted lawmakers to address the concern over firearms in regards to the public’s safety. There was a large discussion about what laws they could implement to keep gun violence in check. One gun control measure that was mentioned was notifying the police when someone who owns a gun has passed away and what will be happening to the gun and where it will be going as well as the thought of completely banning 50 caliber machine guns and ammunition. In an attempt to get rid of ghost guns, they are trying to create another bill where building a gun with no serial number would be considered a felony. It also touches bases on the concealed carry law and the legal and emotional consequences even for those who are responsible gun owners.

Fund, Children’s Defense. ‘Stricter Gun Control Laws Can Prevent Youth Violence.’ Violent Children, edited by Roman Espejo, Greenhaven Press, 2010. At Issue. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/EJ3010032232/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=dd29623c. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020. Originally published as ‘Firearm Deaths Among Children and Teens Increase for the First Time Since 1994: 3,006 in 2005, Protect Children, Not Guns Report,’ Protect Children, Not Guns Report, Children’s Defense Fund, 2008, pp. 2-7.

This article consists of the Center for Disease Controls statistics between firearm usage and juveniles in the early 2000s. The studies show that after the Assault Weapons ban expired in 2004 there was a large spike in gun violence in children and teens. It not only speaks about gun violence in the community but specifically targets the youth and how these loose gun laws affected them. Three thousand children died in 2005 from homicides, suicide, and accidental situations and a majority of them were Caucasian and African american, not including the five times as many children affected by nonlife-threatening gunshots. They provide options and examples on how to protect our children from gun violence such as supporting gun safety measures, removing guns from children’s access or from the home, not glamorizing violence, and using nonviolent means of communication, alternative social networking and groups for kids keeping them off the streets and most importantly raising awareness on these real issues.

‘Do We Need Stricter Gun Laws?’ New York Times Upfront, vol. 152, no. 2, 16 Sept. 2019, p. 22+. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A601763179/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=6167ef66. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

This article compares two different real-life stories about whether stricter gun control laws are needed. The section about agreeing with stricter gun control laws addresses the El Paso shooting where 22 people were killed in a Walmart in Texas and on the same day where an Ohio man killed 9 people and injured many others with an AK-47. It shares the fact that at least 100 people are killed by gun violence per day and how the only way to end this violent epidemic is to enforce stricter gun laws with the goal to make it impossible for those trying to buy guns with the intent to harm or misuse. On the opposing side stating that guns help keep people safe they share a story about a woman named Susan Gonzalez who hated guns. Two burglars broke into her home and her husband kept a gun without her permission and they fired on the two men threatening them. This attack changed her views on gun control saying that her husband’s gun saved their lives. They address many other stories of people fighting off criminals and using their guns for good. They make the statement that no matter what laws are passed criminals will still get firearms

‘More in the U.S. now want stricter gun laws.’ UPI NewsTrack, 14 Jan. 2013. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A314758870/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=1e89e8ae. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

This article speaks about the dissatisfaction of a vast majority of Americans in relation to gun control. After a gunman killed 20 children at a Connecticut elementary school there has been a large increase in the support of stricter gun laws. Over the past five years, there has been a rise in discontentment with the current laws and more support towards the movement of more security from the firearms standpoint. This article correlates with all of my previous annotations showing that Americans aren’t very happy with how current gun situations and laws are being handled. Most of the gun control issues are because of the many different shootings in the articles above. El Paso, Connecticut, etc.. have the American people scared and concerned for themselves and their children.

‘Stronger Gun Control Laws Will Save Lives.’ Guns and Crime, edited by Christine Watkins, Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/EJ3010015248/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=0c910b82. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020. Originally published as ‘Ten Myths About Gun Violence in America,’ LCAV.org, 2009.

This article speaks about the federal gun laws and what they do and don’t allow in regard to guns. The United States gun laws are the least restrictive in the world and have the highest amount of firearm deaths. The federal law hasn’t banned military assault rifles. A military assault rifle as seen in the “ Do We Need stricter gun laws?” article was used to kill nine people in Ohio as well as still not banning 50 caliber weapons after the 2004 assault weapons ban expired. The Consumer Producer Safety Act also does not cover firearms therefore there are no health or safety standards for firearms manufactured here in the States but it exists for all other types of products in the United States. It addresses the loopholes in our system and how we need to not only enforce our gun control laws but strengthen and make them impenetrable. It also speaks on the topics of sensible gun laws such as Virginia’s one gun per month law and Maryland’s “Junk gun” law.

‘Md. Democrats pushing to strengthen state’s already strict gun laws.’ Washingtonpost.com, 10 Feb. 2016. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/A443041701/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=10a5906b. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020.

This article focuses specifically on Maryland and how it will strengthen its state’s gun laws. The Maryland Democratic lawmakers came up with many different bills to propose. These proposed bills focused on keeping campuses gun-free and figuring out solutions on how to keep firearms out of the hands of felons, mentally ill, and dangerous people. Another proposal stated was not issuing firearm permits to those on the FBI’s watchlist as well as repossessing domestic abusers and felons firearms and weapons within 48 hours of being convicted of a crime. Stronger background checks will also be put into effect for purchases of rifles and shotguns. Our State governor Republican Larry Hogan was endorsed by the NRA, however, states that he will not be getting rid of our current gun laws. These bills all must go through Hogan to either be signed vetoed or accepted without signature.

Leftwich, Juliet A. ‘Gun Control Laws Reduce Violent Crime.’ Violence, edited by Louise Gerdes, Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/EJ3010171249/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=f1bf1e2c. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020. Originally published as ‘Pro-Gun Logic Is Wrong on the Facts,’ The Recorder, 2006.

This article addresses the loopholes in the gun control discussion, restricting access to guns, claiming self-defense when it comes to having a personal gun and protecting the public. There are many loopholes when it comes to firearms such as private sellers not having to run a background check on the person wanting to buy the gun. As addressed in the article “ Stronger gun control laws will save lives” guns and ammo are not associated with the federal consumer product safety act and no federal health or safety standards for firearms. Federal laws also do not require gun owners to be licensed or their handguns to be registered. The self-defense claim when it comes to guns is the number one response when asked about why a person is pro-guns. Guns can be used for a wide variety of options, good or bad. When deciding to use it in the correct way, a gun can make you feel safe and secure when needed to defend yourself. The state and local governments have an obligation to protect the public from gun violence. Requiring gun safety courses, implementing the one gun per month law, and background checks for private sales can all help reduce the chaos caused by gun violence and the current laws in relation.

Gorman, Linda, and David B. Kopel. ‘Stronger Gun Control Laws Will Not Reduce Crime.’ Guns and Crime, edited by James D. Torr, Greenhaven Press, 2004. At Issue. Gale In Context: Global Issues, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.pgcc.edu/apps/doc/EJ3010015220/GIC?u=pgcc_main&sid=GIC&xid=6c3c01ff. Accessed 12 Mar. 2020. Originally published as ‘Self-Defense: The Equalizer,’ Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy, vol. 15, Winter 2000, p. 92.

This article is written about how stricter gun control laws will not affect the rates of crime. This is written for more of a pro-gun activist scene. It highlights guns as a means of self-defense and the easy maintenance that comes with owning a firearm. It addresses how we could learn and adapt some of Japan’s laws when it comes to gun safety and rules. Unfortunately, we will never live in a world without crime, but living in a society where the government eliminates all firearms ultimately makes rule-abiding citizens choose between protecting those they care about or themselves. They reference Japan’s low crime rates as success with having a personal gun. They address the history of Japan’s low homicide rates but high suicide rates as well as the history of guns in Japan. Japan’s gun owners must complete a licensing obstacle course and have a separate locker for guns and ammunition. Members of any political or activist groups are immediately disqualified from being able to obtain a firearm. This article has a brief coverage of the UK, Canada, and Australia’s gun laws in comparison to our country’s rules.

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