Gun Control

A significant rise in the number of public shootouts over the last couple of years has reignited the long pending gun control debate in the United States.

In generic terms, 'gun control' refers to the administration's efforts to keep a check on sale and use of guns by the citizens within their jurisdiction. These laws most often revolve around the sale, ownership, usage and the distribution of firearms. Some examples of such laws include the National Firearms Act (1934) and the Gun Control Act (1968).

In 48 states citizens can legally buy an assault weapon and in 43 states no license is required for it.

Firearms are the second leading cause of traumatic death related to a consumer product in the US.

Since 1960 more than 1.3 million Americans have died of firearm suicides, homicides and unintentional injuries.

The United States tops the list of countries in terms of firearms related deaths, and this is one of the main argument that people in support of gun control put forth when they call for stricter norms to prevent abuse of firearms.

Most violent crimes are committed with guns; thus, restricting gun ownership will likely reduce the number of such crimes.
Lunatics, bullied school kids, disgruntled workers, and others can inflict mass casualties with guns that otherwise wouldn't be possible.
Arguments in Favor of Gun Control

A crime victim who has a gun may be in more danger than an unarmed person since the criminal may kill in perceived self-defense.
Suicides and crimes of passion are higher with gun availability, as it's much easier to act immediately on your impulses when a gun is available.

The 2nd Amendment of the Constitution was targeted towards militia, e.g. the National Guard, rather than individuals.
Crimes that may have been less harmful can be made more dangerous by adding a gun.

Legalized gun ownership means guns have a greater chance of falling into the hands of kids, potentially resulting in some deadly accidents.
Terrorism, school shootings, and other modern circumstances make guns more dangerous nowadays.

There are gun-free zones in the US: schools, theaters, malls, etc.

More than 39 percent of the American population voted for a total ban on firearms in the United States.