John Teunis

Dagher, Debra
UWRT 1102-092
8 February 2015
Is Gun Control The Answer?
The Bill of Rights defined by Merrimu-Websters Dictionary website is, a summary of
fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation by the state used
especially of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. These first ten
amendments that make up the bill of rights were forged during the starting years of our
independent nation. The amendment of focus for this essay is the Second Amendment,
commonly known as the Right to Bear Arms. This amendment states: "A well regulated
Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear
Arms, shall not be infringed." The question being asked related to this amendment is, would
enacting stricter gun control laws in North Carolina reduce violent crimes rates? (nice intro,
more info on your stance?)
Before the essay dives into the information and analysis of such information, (repetitive)
I must shortly cover my background with firearms as to address any bias that may be present. I
was taught proper firearm handling and shooting around age ten, and shot my first gun shortly
after. I am an owner of several firearms, which I handle and use responsibly and safely. I have no
tolerance for unsafe use of firearms and it upsets me to see it going on in society. Any bias
against gun control that I may have, has been pushed to the side while forming this essay. (great
background info)

First a definition of gun control must be established. According to the MerrimuWebsters Dictionary website, gun control can be defined as laws that control how guns
are sold and used and who can own them. There are several laws in North Carolina
already in existence that pertain to gun control. There are different laws for the two
main types of firearms, pistols and shotguns/rifles. The laws involving
shotguns/rifles are not nearly as strict as the laws involving pistols.(not clear? I dont
understand the last part) A permit is not required to purchase a shotgun or rifle,
the purchaser must only be eighteen and have a valid identification present. While
laws involving rifles and shotguns are lax, laws pertaining to handguns are a little
stricter. An example of a gun control law that involves handguns is that anyone who
would like to purchase a handgun in North Carolina must first obtain a valid permit
from his or her local Sheriff Department. There are certain criteria that one must
meet to obtain a valid pistol permit. Some of the criteria requires that the applicant
is not a registered felon, they cannot have been discharged from the military due to
dishonorable discharge, (is there another word to replace discharge?) they must be
a legal citizen of the United States, and they cannot have been a former citizen and
then renounced their citizenship. When it comes to legally concealing a handgun,
another permit must be obtained. This permit requires an extensive course which
educates the enrollee on proper handling and concealment, along with procedures

that must be followed while around law enforcement officers. (great amount of
info)
Age is a key factor when it comes to firearms and violence. The Young Adult
Development Project conducted by MIT concluded that, The brain isn't fully mature at 16,
when we are allowed to drive, or at 18, when we are allowed to vote, or at 21, when we are
allowed to drink, but closer to 25, when we are allowed to rent a car. Unfortunately, the age is
eighteen to purchase a rifle or shotgun and twenty-one to purchase a handgun. If an individuals
brain is not fully developed or matured, it could lead to poor decision making when faced with
an aggressive or violent situation. This could result in an irrational response of violence, such as
the use of a firearm with intent to harm. Another age issue pertaining to firearms and violence
comes with old age.(good contrast) Those aged 65 and older now have the highest rate of gun
ownership in America, and they also have a high prevalence of depression and suicide. Dementia
can add additional layers of risk (citation). The combination of firearms and mental illnesses
can result in suicide by a firearm, unsafe use of a firearm, or improper storage of a firearm. Brain
development and brain un-development (if you will), are huge risk factors when it comes to
firearms and violence.
One of the largest issues relating to firearms and violent crimes, is that most
criminals use illegally purchased firearms to commit their crimes. Every firearm has
a serial number engraved somewhere on it. When the firearm is purchased a
record or that serial number is made along with the buyer of the gun. Also, every
firearm has what is called a ballistic record. (this and the last sentence could
probably be combined) When the bullet exists the barrel, it leaves cuts and marks

along the bullet that are specific to that gun. This is referred to as a guns finger
print. These two things are what connects the firearm to its owner. A criminal does
not want to commit a crime with a gun that can be traced back to them so they
illegally purchase their guns on the black market.
There are several ways that the black market obtains its guns to fuel its
economy. National Geographic released a documentary pertaining to the illegal
firearms market called Underworld Inc, Ghost Gun. The ideal gun for criminals is
what is referred to as a ghost gun. A ghost gun is a firearm (usually a handgun),
that has been illegally made, sold, and purchased. These guns have no ballistic
record, have an illegitimate cereal number, and are usually made outside of the
United States. (interesting) A town called Danao in the Philippines is one place
where firearms are illegally made. In Danao, guns are made by people facing
poverty, and have no other job or source of income. They are made in homes or
workshops then shipped to the United States.
Secondary firearm markets also allow criminals to obtain their firearms.
Unlicensed sellers are who form this secondary market for firearms. Gun shows are
a prime example of a secondary gun market. The danger in these secondary
markets is the lack of regulation. However, secondary transfers are not subject to
federal record-keeping and background check requirements, thus making the
secondary market largely unregulated and, consequently, a better source of guns

for criminal users (citation). (integrate into your own sentence) Another issue
covered in this article is the theft of firearms. Criminals dont mind using criminal
methods to obtain their firearms. If a criminal steals a firearm and then uses it to
commit a crime, there is no link between them and the firearm. Approximately
600,000 guns are stolen each year from private owners, dealers, and common
carriers (ATF, 2000a:27-28; Cook and Ludwig,1996:29-30). Theft along with
secondary markets are two extremely common ways criminals get their firearms.
There are some laws that could be changed or added to reduce gun violence pertaining to
all citizens. These laws are related to age and brain development. If the brain is not fully
developed until around twenty-five years old, that should be the age to own a gun. If there is a
greater risk for suicide after sixty-five, guns should no longer be owned once someone reaches
that age. However, the general public should not be the main target when trying to reduce
violence.
The key to reducing violence by gun control is to aim it at the criminals main obtaining
methods, and pull the trigger. (clever) Illegal smuggling and theft of firearms cannot be
prevented through gun control. These methods that criminals use can only be addressed by
increasing boarder and gun shop security. The best way the law can prevent criminals from
getting their guns is by addressing secondary markets and transactions. These secondary markets,
such as gun shows, should be prohibited along with secondary transactions due to their lack of
regulation. Consequences for secondary transactions or criminal possession of a firearm could
also be increased to serve as a deterrent. Placing strict gun-control laws on the public have little
to no effect since the general public are not the people committing crimes. They only cause

controversy and infringe on our Second Amendment right. Instead, aim gun-control at the people
who are actually aiming their guns at us, criminals.
The amount of detail and research is great! The flow of words seem fine, but reading a loud is
good way to double check. Your voice in this doesnt get lost and stays fairly consistent
throughout. Its a good argumentative paper so far, but definitely try to find any other opposing
sides to debate on. Jenny Dao