gun law essay titles

Gun Control Argumentative Essay: 160 Topics + How-to Guide [2024]

After the recent heartbreaking mass shootings, the gun control debate has reached its boiling point.

Do we need stricter gun control laws ? Should everyone get a weapon to oppose crime? Or should guns be banned overall? You have the opportunity to air your opinion in a gun control argumentative essay.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to write a great paper in no time. Check weighty arguments, catchy gun control essay titles, and the latest sources on the subject.

Don’t forget to check our writing service . With it, you can get your gun control essay done just in a few hours.

🔝 Top 10 Gun Control Essay Titles

💥 take a stand in the gun control debate.

• 👍 Pro Gun Control Essay Topics

👎 Against Gun Control Essay Topics

⚡ gun violence essay titles, ⚖️ gun laws essay topics to explore, 🔫 gun control controversial topics for a research paper, 🔰 pros and cons of gun control, ✍️ 5 steps in writing a gun control essay.

• 🤔 Frequent Questions
• Does gun ownership deter crime?
• Ethics of owning guns for sport.
• Gun control laws and suicide rate.
• Do weapons bring a sense of safety?
• Guns and domestic abuse protection.
• Do gun control laws reduce gun deaths?
• Gun control laws and government tyranny.
• Are gun control laws invasion of privacy?
• Should high-capacity magazines be banned?
• Gun control as a way to reduce the crime rate.

Did you know that 33 people are killed with guns every day in America? This is one of the numbers you can use in your essay on gun control. Are you ready to learn more reasons both for and against gun control? Here they are, in a nutshell:

Have you chosen which side you’re on? Great! Now you already have solid background knowledge on the issue.

The information above will help you write an outstanding essay on gun control. Moreover, you can easily proofread it using Grammarly and avoid common grammar mistakes.

👀 150 Catchy Gun Control Topics

Do you want to know the next step toward your A+ gun control essay? It’s a catchy title that expresses your standpoint and grabs your readers’ interest.

Here are some examples.

👍 Pro-Gun Control Essay Topics

Arms possession is a right enshrined in the US constitution. Yet, more and more people voice their concerns about owning firearms. Mass shootings, suicides, and abuse are among the top arguments for stricter laws. Here, we’ve collected plenty of insightful pro-gun control topics for you to explore.

• Pro-gun radicalism and American fears. Guns and fear often go hand in hand. Studies suggest that gun owners are more prone to phobias and distrust. The topic requires showing the irrational essence of gun ownership.
• Being pro-gun equals being anti-women. Firearms make domestic violence a lot more likely to end in death. Prohibiting gun access for abusers could save women’s lives.
• Why background checks don’t always work. Background checks are essential. Yet, they don’t always prevent ineligible individuals from acquiring a firearm. This “why we need gun control” essay shines a light on the procedure’s flaws.
• The economic burden of firearms. This topic concerns the costs linked to gun-related injuries and deaths. These preventable expenditures strain the US economy. You can underline the necessity of gun control to alleviate the problem.
• Gun control to protect schools from firearms. Schools are at the heart of the anti-gun movement. Meanwhile, gun control plays a vital role in preserving safety in educational facilities. An essay could communicate the intricate connection between the two.
• Kids are not ok: pediatric gun-related injuries and deaths. Children often become victims of gun violence. The number of pediatric firearm-related injuries and deaths is disproportionate. Should parents remove all guns from their households to protect their kids?
• Rising gun deaths: a call for action. The high firearm-related death rate is a notorious problem. In the United States, the number is consistently above average. In this gun control argumentative essay, it becomes a reason for stricter gun policies.
• Reducing firearm ownership is not decreasing civil liberties. The topic handles primary gun control opponents’ counterarguments. The key reasoning is that gun ownership is not a universal human right. In this essay, you can explore the notion of civil liberties.
• Suicide and the availability of guns. Gun control topics are rarely concerned with suicide. It’s an essential yet underexplored and part of it. You can show how stricter gun control would help reduce suicide rates.
• More guns, more shootings: understanding gun control. This topic requires exploring the link between firearms and shootings. You can use gun ownership and mass shooting rates to prove your point. In this pro-gun control essay, statistical information is instrumental.
• Gun control as an answer to violent murders.
• Do firearm restrictions harm democracy?
• The perverseness of being pro-life and pro-gun.
• Do guns in households cause more accidental deaths?
• Why are some people scared of stricter gun control?
• Debunking “guns for self-defense” myths.
• Gun control’s positive impact on hospitalization rates.
• Does better gun control improve life quality?
• Firearms and suicidal behavior: another case for restrictions.
• What fears drive opponents of gun laws?
• Do firearms restrictions increase the value of life?
• Do gun laws reduce societal costs?
• Restricting the carry of firearms for societal benefit.
• Does pro-gun activism favor domestic abusers?
• Firearms: used far less for defense than for attacks.
• More guns – more violence
• Stop the wrong people from getting guns
• Revision of the Second Amendment to prevent human tragedies
• The Second Amendment and gun control can co-exist
• The thin line between self-defense and deadly force

Stricter laws can’t solve every problem. In cases such as prostitution and drug use, they are even detrimental. But does this reasoning also apply to gun control? Find it out by discussing its disadvantages with one of the following engaging prompts:

• Gun control laws: a waste of taxpayers’ money. Firearm restrictions have economic consequences. Additional gun control measures are not free— they require more monetary resources. Besides, stricter gun control deprives many citizens of firearm-related jobs.
• Firearm regulations deny the right to self-defense . Self-defense is a constitutional right granted by the Founding Fathers. When an attacker is armed, defensive gun use remains the only option. Gun control diminishes the capacity of citizens to protect themselves.
• Guns don’t breed crime—society does. Crime is a colossal social challenge. It is vital to direct resources for crime prevention and management. Yet, gun control is not the ultimate solution to this problem.
• Gun control laws are not fruitful. One of the purposes of gun control is to curb the gun violence epidemic. Yet, whether it works or not is debatable. This “is greater gun control a great idea” essay demonstrates gun control’s ineffectiveness.
• Gun control: limiting citizens’ freedoms. Gun control is not only fruitless, but it’s also unconstitutional. The right to possess and carry guns is civil liberty. Firearm restrictions violate the essence of the country’s constitution.
• Gun ownership increases the sense of security. Besides, firearms perform an important psychological function. They give their owners a sense of safety, bringing emotional comfort. Gun control takes away the knowledge that one can protect oneself.
• Firearms black market: a bigger problem. Gun control will not prevent determined individuals from obtaining firearms. Restricting access to legal guns could prompt people to buy weapons from black markets.
• Knives, hardware, and vehicles are lethal weapons, too. Firearms are only a small part of a criminal’s arsenal. For instance, they frequently use cars as deadly weapons. Firearm control can’t always prevent those determined to harm someone from doing it.
• Eliminating guns: an oversimplified approach. Gun control proponents often oversimplify the problem. Access to firearms is not the root cause of gun-related deaths and violence. The phenomenon has multiple origins that you could examine.
• Disarming Americans kills their national identity. Guns are deeply ingrained in American culture and national identity. The right to bear them has a profound symbolic notion. This “against gun control” essay covers the meaning of firearms in American nationhood.
• Gun control hinders African American emancipation.
• How does gun control incite government tyranny?
• Gun control doesn’t prevent violent behavior.
• The racist history behind firearm restrictions.
• The Second Amendment: the cornerstone of gun rights.
• Firearms as an answer to domestic violence.
• Would gun control make the country safer?
• Firearm ownership: gaining control over life.
• Gun control and the demise of democracy.
• The empowering role of firearms .
• Gun control as a method of disabling citizens.
• What’s your position on the statement: “Assault is not a weapon but a behavior”?
• Why gun control laws should be scrapped.
• Is there a link between firearm ownership and crime?
• Banning guns means more black markets.
• Gun control is not the answer – education is
• Gun culture propaganda starts with cartoons
• Mass media is to blame: murder is an easy route to fame
• Gun control: why not ban everything that poses a potential threat?
• Criminals don’t obey gun control laws

Firearm violence has developed into a significant human rights issue. It affects our right to life and health. Not only that, but it can also limit our access to education. Gun violence disrupts school processes and endangers student safety. An essay on this issue gives you many different directions to explore.

• Firearm violence as a racial equity challenge. Studies have shown that some ethnicities are more likely to experience gun violence than others. African Americans, in particular, are affected by the issue. Your essay can investigate how firearm violence reflects and aggravates discrimination.
• The relationship between mental health and mass shootings. Mental illness is the prime suspect as the root of gun violence. Researchers often consider it a determiner for mass shootings. For this topic, it’s vital to analyze literature regarding the correlation.
• Preventing and responding to firearm-related deaths. Each year, thousands of US citizens die due to gun violence. As the rate of firearm death rises, the issue becomes exponentially troubling. Decreasing the gun-related mortality rate is a topic of high priority.
• The socio-economic roots of firearm violence . Gun violence has pronounced socio-economic causes. Low income and life in a deprived neighborhood are among the most significant risk factors. Examining how certain circumstances prompt gun violence is instrumental in alleviating the issue.
• Long-term psychological effects of gun violence. Survivors and witnesses of gun violence experience grave psychological consequences, including PTSD and depression. Your essay can present gun violence as an extremely traumatic event.
• The contagion effect in mass shootings. The contagion effect describes the spread of behavior. You can use it to explain the epidemic of gun violence. The topic requires you to look into the phenomenon.
• Intimate partner violence: the role of firearms. The severity of intimate partner violence is related to how accessible guns are to abusers. Many domestic homicides involve the use of weapons. This gun ownership essay prompts to explain how firearms contribute to the phenomenon.
• Mass shootings and weapon availability. This topic prompts you to investigate the mass shootings aspect of gun violence. In particular, it’s concerned with the link between gun accessibility and mass murder. You could use quotes and statistics regarding gun laws to establish the connection.
• Gun violence: A poignant human rights issue. Firearm violence causes psychological, social, and financial harm. Its victims suffer from long-term consequences in the form of mental disorders. It’s unwise to overestimate the issue’s global burden.
• Gun violence against women and girls. Firearms violence negatively impacts the life quality of women. Women and girls frequently become victims of gun attacks. Here, you could discuss how deep-seated misogyny contributes to the problem.

• The global burden of guns.
• Firearms violence: A community health problem.
• The reasons behind gun violence in the United States .
• A gender profile of firearm violence .
• School shootings: portrayal in media.
• What are the economic consequences of firearm violence?
• Preventing gun violence in vulnerable neighborhoods.
• The role of toxic masculinity in gun violence.
• Discuss the effect of firearm ownership regulations.
• How can the government reduce firearm violence in low-income neighborhoods?
• Psychological consequences of school shootings.
• Supporting school shooting survivors.
• What are the effects of gun ownership on violence?
• The epidemiology of mass shootings.
• Mass shootings from a sociological perspective.
• Fighting against gun violence: social activism .
• Gun violence: the primary cause of premature death.
• What ethical problems occur regarding mass shootings?
• How does the media promote gun violence?
• The health implications of gun violence.

Gun laws are vital to ensure the safe handling and purchase of firearms. Regulations come from the federal as well the state level. It makes gun laws confusing for many. If you’d like to entangle the issue, this section is for you.

• Major loopholes in gun laws. Federal and state laws are vulnerable to exploitation. It means they contain gaps endangering public safety. The “Charleston loophole” is the most notorious example. You can inspect it along with other deficiencies.
• Gun laws: too strict or too weak? The harshness of gun laws is a debatable issue. Given the present gun violence epidemic, the answer might appear evident. Still, this topic encourages viewing the problem from multiple perspectives.
• Prohibiting the possession of assault weapons. Assault weapons are another intriguing facet of America’s gun problem. Currently, there is no federal law prohibiting their ownership. Using such a weapon in a shooting increases mortality and traumatism.
• The problem with private gun sales. Private firearms trade results in excessive gun accessibility. Private sellers are allowed to bypass crucial standards such as sales recordkeeping. The situation poses a threat to communal well-being.
• Mental illness in the context of firearms control legislation. In the context of gun laws, mental illness is a prominent notion. The term and its usage in state and federal laws have nuances. You can interpret them in your essay.
• Using deadly force to defend property. Firearms constitute a part of the “deadly force” notion. Regarding the defense of private property, its use is not always justifiable. This gun law essay proposes to reflect on the norms of firearm use.
• Nuances and limitations of the stand-your-ground law. The stand-your-ground law is the subject of heated debate. It’s easy to misinterpret it. It most notably concerns the boundaries of gun use. Yet, knowing what is allowed is essential in self-defense.
• The need for federal registration laws. Although there is no national gun registry, its introduction could be beneficial. It would allow law enforcement agencies to track firearms more efficiently. In your essay, you could research other advantages of federal registration as well.
• Differences in gun laws at the state level. Besides federal laws, each state has its own firearms policies. Federal and state regulations tend to vary considerably. It could be interesting to analyze how gun use and possession regulations differ from state to state.
• Buying guns without a background check: a dangerous loophole. Background checks are indispensable under federal law. Still, a loophole makes it possible to sell firearms to incompetent and dangerous individuals. Say what could be done to make background checks more efficient.
• Are tougher gun laws a solution?
• Politically polarizing firearm policies.
• What are the public’s views of federal firearms laws?
• Gun licenses and political affiliation.
• Firearm registration and accessibility of guns to criminals .
• Gun laws: State vs. Federal.
• How are state gun laws and firearm mortality connected?
• Gun laws from the constitutional point of view.
• Understanding the duty to retreat in US legislation.
• Gun-friendly state laws and criminality.

• Open carry and concealed carry laws.
• The extent of federal gun laws.
• Concealed carry: not covered by the Second Amendment.
• Should the US government enforce firearm registration?
• Limiting concealed carry under the influence.
• Weaker gun laws equal less public safety.
• Gun control policies: Democrats vs. Republicans.
• The benefits of a universal background check.
• Analyze gun laws in the state of Missouri.
• Restoring the federal assault weapons ban.

There are few topics more controversial than gun control. That’s why it’s the perfect base for a good debate. Controversies surrounding gun control include questions of race, gender, and ethics.

• Gun ownership: gender, ethnicity, and class . The demographic portrait of a gun owner is a politically loaded subject. Despite the possible implications, it necessitates in-depth research. This topic suggests considering gun owners’ social class, gender, and ethnicity.
• The racial element in American gun culture. Racism and gun control are more connected than might appear. A range of opinions exists. Evaluating their interconnection might yield compelling results. In your essay, investigate American gun culture through the prism of racial inequality.
• Firearms ownership: do we need incentives or fees? Gun ownership has several advantages, such as a sense of security. Nevertheless, its less positive effects could eclipse them. Discussing whether gun ownership should be discouraged or encouraged could help you write an engaging paper.
• The usage of firearms in self-defense. The efficacy and frequency of self-defense weapon use are essential for the gun control debate. Analyzing these factors could help establish the validity of the argument.
• Gun ownership regulation: the Swiss example. In terms of firearm possession, Switzerland is a liberal country. It has lax laws regarding the acquisition and usage of guns. What can Switzerland teach the US about gun control?
• The ethicality of firearm ownership. It is common to examine whether gun ownership is constitutional. Looking at its ethicality is a rarer approach. This controversial gun control essay topic helps to bridge the knowledge gap.
• Constitutional contradictions regarding gun rights. The Constitution’s meaning is not as self-evident as it may appear. Whether gun rights are constitutional or unconstitutional is at the core of the debate.
• Do gun rights promote vigilantism? Vigilante violence is a severe community challenge. A vengeful armed vigilante is a threat to their society. In your paper, investigate the role of gun rights in contributing to the problem.
• Preventing criminals from accessing guns. How effective is gun control in stopping gun violence? Contradictory opinions denying or supporting its productiveness need scrutiny. For this paper, you can use statistics and facts to clarify the situation.
• The ideology behind gun control and rights. The gun control debate has long gone beyond objective arguments. By now, the problem entails larger political implications. Gun ownership or its absence strongly correlates with political behavior.
• Interpretations of the Second Amendment regarding gun control.
• Does unrestricted gun ownership lead to more shootings?
• The effectiveness of firearm restrictions.
• Multiple origins of gun-related crime.
• Are gun restrictions instrumental for public safety?
• Gun control as a measure against crime and gun violence.
• Firearm control rhetoric: an analysis.
• Should the public use of guns remain legal?
• Gun control: creating optimal policies.
• Presidential elections and gun control rhetoric.
• Limiting access to guns: is it useful or debilitating?
• Evaluating gun control and its impact on crime.
• The future of gun laws.
• The political battle over gun control.
• Gun policies and common sense.
• How relevant is firearms control?
• What effect does gun ownership have on domestic abuse?
• The economics of gun control.
• Gun control: Is it saving lives or narrowing freedoms?
• Should you ever be able to buy a gun without a license or permit?

Gun control pros and cons have been discussed and thoroughly analyzed countless times. Both advocates and opponents have stuck to their positions, leaving the issue unresolved. Here are a few important pros and cons:

Points made in support of gun control (pros)

• Gun control statistics reveal that although the United States accounts for only 5% of the world’s population, U.S. residents own 50% of guns in the world.
• When gun deaths statistics for different countries were expressed as the number of gun deaths in a population of a million people, the United States was ranked below South Africa.

Points against gun control (cons)

• The very idea of gun control goes against the US constitution that allows people the right to safeguard their lives. People need guns to defend themselves when being attacked by others. Additionally, firearms can provide a sense of comfort and security. It would be undemocratic to take away a person’s right to feel safe.
• Since the Second Amendment upholds the right to gun ownership, it should not be restricted. It seems dangerous to start altering the constitution whenever we see fit. In doing so, we might create a precedent that others can use to promote more harmful agendas.

Whichever side you chose, now you already have a few persuasive arguments. Let’s move on to the actual writing part.

Writing an impressive essay on gun control can be a bit difficult without proper organization. No matter what type of paper you are going to work on, you’ll need some detailed planning and thorough research.

Follow these five steps to write a perfect gun control essay:

• Define what gun control is. Whether you are writing an argumentative, persuasive, or any other type of paper, the first thing you need is context. Use the definitions that are most appropriate for your essay. For example, you might start with a dictionary definition. Then, add some general facts about types of firearms. Next, you might give statistics on gun control , such as ownership and reasons for it.
• Write a gun control thesis statement. Besides context and definitions, any essay introduction requires a thesis. It’s the message you’re going to argue in the following paragraphs. So, work on it before writing the rest of the paper. Make sure your gun control thesis statement is concise and easy to understand. You can use an online thesis generator if that requirement is hard for you to achieve.
• One option is to use studies that have collected plentiful information over the years.
• If you are writing a pro-gun control essay, you can use studies or statistics on how guns owned by private citizens have killed innocent people. You can also cite cases where students used their parents’ guns to commit violent crimes in school.
• If you are arguing against gun control, cite studies proving that private gun ownership saves lives. You could also add research revealing the positive effects of gun ownership.
• Organize your paper. Of course, the content and organization vary for each particular essay. The facts remain the same. It is the way that you arrange and present them that will create a concrete argument. That’s why you should make sure to draft an outline before you get started.
• End with a strong conclusion. In there, you should summarize your essay and reiterate the most important points. Don’t forget to restate and develop your statement based on the facts you mentioned. If it’s not an argumentative essay, present your findings and suggestions about the issue.

As you can see, writing an impressive gun control essay takes time and effort. It also requires deep research. If you’re finding this task too challenging, you can order an essay from our custom writing service. We provide 100% original papers at reasonable prices.

You might also be interested in:

• Top Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
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🤔 Gun Control FAQ

To create a great title, you should express your point of view in a concise and eye-catching manner. A creative title grabs your readers’ interest. Try to make up an unusual keyword combination, or paraphrase a metaphor or a set expression. Using two opposite ideas works well, too.

If you want to spark a discussion, you need to make an educated standpoint choice. For a good debate essay, make sure to thoroughly study the topic. A list of pros and cons will help you gain a deeper insight. Then decide where you stand before you start writing.

Good persuasive topics provoke emotions. A great topic for an essay is an issue that concerns nearly everyone in society. For example, gun control or animal testing may be good topics for college essays.

Good thesis statements give a clearly formulated opinion. You need to state whether you are for or against gun control. Either way, the author’s position must be based on convincing arguments and facts.

🔗 References

• Gun Control Latest Events
• The Link Between Firearms, Crime and Gun Control
• Gun Control Pros and Cons
• Second Amendment: Right to Bear Arms
• A Brief History of the National Rifle Association
• Gun Control Essays at Bartleby
• Argumentative Essays on Gun Control
• Gun Control Issues, Public Health, and Safety
• Universal Background Checks: Giffords
• Gun Violence: Amnesty International
• Facts on US Gun Ownership: Pew Research Center
• Gun Control in the US: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Gun Control: The Debate and Public Policy: Social Studies
• Guns and Gun Control: The New York Times
• Gun Control Topic Overview: Gale
• US Gun Policy: Global Comparisons: Council of Foreign Relations
• US Gun Debate: Four Dates that Explain How We Got Here: BBC News
• Gun Control and Gun Rights: US News
• Why Gun Control Is So Contentious in the US: Live Science
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my thing is this it’s not the guns it’s people now if we could make it to where you’ll have to possess a gun ownership license kinda like a drivers license that would solve most problems don’t you think

I agree with you, Richard.

I am trying to cite this website for my English paper on “NoodleTools” and there are multiple things I can’t find. Like the publisher, publication date, “permalink,” and more. I really like this article though!

Grace, glad you liked the article! Regarding the question about citing, maybe this page will help you somehow: https://custom-writing.org/contact

My opinion if I may is that guns should be in the hands of law enforcement and military. If a person wants a gun for protection they only need to call 911 on their cell or landline if a person is frightened to take steps which are many, to ensure your safety guns do kill people and there have been far too many innocent people dying! Football games schools churches concerts outdoor activities and or indoor activities places just about anywhere and people in danger it is terrible. What has become to civilization where people are going about their innocent daily lives and get killed!!!!! What is wrong with this picture? Many years ago American citizens did not have to live in such danger as it is today, the government does nothing including NRA. Congress does nothing, sadly we live in a dangerous and volatile world and something needs to be done about this to prevent innocent children and adults from dangerous people who have guns in their hands the government should protect America from harm and danger!!!!

This helped me with my essay due. I wanted to do it on gun control, but I had no idea where to start. This really helped to develop my thesis statement and claim to turn in. Now I just have to write 8 pages on it. 🙂 Wish me luck, lol.

Do you still have a copy of this essay ?

Good luck, Danielle! 🙂 Glad the article was useful for you.

I think you should add how guns can be a big cause in the world because guns are a bad thing.

This helped me with a 5-paragraph essay I need due.

This article saved me so much time, thank you!!!

Thank you! This post helped me a lot with my essay.

222 Gun Control Topics for Persuasive & Argumentative Essays

Do you think the accessibility of firearms is in direct ratio to the number of mass shootings?

It’s not that easy, though. Gun control is a very delicate but important topic. Let’s sort it out together.

Do we need harsher anti-gun policies? Do guns kill, or is it people? We will refer to these and other questions in this article.

What else do we have for you? 200+ excellent topics for an essay about gun control and gun control essay outline! Let’s go 👉👉

• ❌ Why Gun Control Doesn’t work?
• 🗫 Argumentative Essay
• 👮 Persuasive Essay
• 📑 Essay Outline

❌ Why Gun Control Doesn’t Work?

Gun control is a very sensitive topic for everyone. Any weapon is an effective self-defense measure but also a potential threat to society.

Some would feel safer having a gun, and others do worry about the owners’ mental health.

The main question stays the same.

People often debate whether new law restrictions help to reduce violent crimes. If an offender has already violated several laws, will they hesitate to break one more? Turns out to be a sophisticated psychological issue.

• Some say that gun control makes things worse . When the police are not around, people don’t know how to protect themselves.

There are many arguments for and against gun control , and the issue doesn’t lose its popularity over decades. It is hard to pick a side and choose the right topic, but here we are to help you.

Gun Control Pros and Cons

Well, let’s look closer at gun control defenders’ and opponents’ arguments.

Both opinions have some logic and common sense behind them. Both have advantages and disadvantages, as well as debatable aspects.

It is now your personal decision which side you adhere to more. Or maybe rather stay neutral?

👍 What Are the Pro-Gun Control Arguments?

Key point: People who support stricter law regulations believe that control of the purchase and gun ownership would help reduce crime.

• The majority of guns used to commit crimes were legally purchased, including those used in mass shootings.
• Even if a firearm is safely stored, it possesses a higher risk of a violent act in the house.
• New laws won’t make legal gun keepers hand over their weapons.
• Gun control will deter accidental injuries and deaths.
• Easy access to firearms makes every buyer capable of murder.

👎 What Are the Anti-Gun Control Arguments?

Key point: They claim that gun control would only make it more complicated for the people who seek self-defense measures.

• Law regulations are unlikely to stop a person who desperately wants to purchase a gun.
• An act of violence can still happen, with or without a firearm. Anything can be used as a deadly weapon.
• If we want to prevent suicides, psychological help is more effective than gun control.
• US citizens made most of the gun injuries in self-defense. Without them, people cannot have an opportunity to protect themselves in life-or-death situations.
• Banning the kinds of weapons that are considered the most dangerous would also ban hunting and sports guns.

The Politics of Gun Control

The Second Amendment is the primary law that states Americans’ right to possess weapons. Many people argue that it’s an outdated claim out of context, but it’s still a constitutional right of every American. Here is what it says:

These are the laws that apply to most states:

• A person should be at least 18 to purchase a shotgun, rifle, or ammunition. 21 is the minimum age for all other firearms (e.g., handguns).
• Have a criminal record (1 year in prison for felony or two years for a misdemeanor). You were found guilty of storing and/or using illegal drugs.
• Have been to a mental institution on an involuntary basis.
• Have restraining orders regarding violence towards other people.
• Are a visitor with a nonimmigrant visa or an unauthorized migrant.
• Everyone needs a background check to buy a gun in a licensed store.

N.B.❗ Gun control regulations vary from state to state. That’s something you can use in your essay as well.

While working on such a topic, what is also essential is understanding the current polemic between major political actors. We will briefly introduce the republicans ‘ and democrats’ attitudes to gun control in the US.

• What do republicans say? Republicans are typically in favor of gun rights, as well as the latest republican President, Donald Trump. He released a five-point plan against gun violence, but it was never fully implemented though.
• What do democrats say? Both ex-president Barack Obama and current president Joe Biden are active gun control supporters. President Biden announced his plan to end the gun violence epidemic in the USA . Its primary goal is to take actual executive actions in various spheres.

We’ve had a brief sketch of the main points regarding gun control.

Let’s get to the topics for your essay.

🗫 Gun Control Argumentative Essay. Topics to Discuss

The first thing you have to do after you decide on your position is to find your focus.

Maybe you already have a general idea, but you don’t know how to narrow it down.

On the opposite, you have a focus but can’t find the area where it is applied?

We created a list of 200+ topics for argumentative and persuasive essays on gun control!

Here is our first compilation. These essay topics provide enough space for discussion and debate. There is no black and white, numerous opinions, and lots of exciting things to find out. 👇

Top 38 Gun Control Essay Titles

• Can gun control help to prevent acts of violence? Guns give people the power to harm others faster. But does it mean that they will not find a way to fight without firearms?
• The difference between state and federal gun laws. Some claim that laws in certain states are unconstitutional. They allow too little or too much freedom. Death and injury rates also vary from state to state. Are some laws and regulations more efficient? Do they make a difference?
• Background check: A necessary measure or violation of privacy? Background checks are implemented only in licensed offline stores. That is one of the reasons why people prefer gun shows and online shops. Discuss the risk of a weapon getting into the wrong hands.
• The legal side of the gun industry: Do they sell safety or death? American citizens are the primary civilian consumers of firearms in the world. Gun business is a multibillion industry. Use the statistics of death rates compared to the number of guns.
• Gun control changes: From 1980 to 2020. The laws become stricter in some way. Discuss the main differences and the reasons for these modifications. Do they give us positive or negative effects?
• Does gun control deter mass shootings? Most of the guns used to commit mass shootings were legally sold to the offenders. Logic says we could avoid it. Common sense says they can obtain a gun elsewhere.
• Are firearms better than other self-defense tools? Electric shockers, pepper spray, pocket knives – there are plenty of them. A lot of people choose alternative measures, and others prefer guns. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of them.
• The way gun control can change the lives of American citizens. Gun ownership is an essential part of life for Americans. Discuss the changes that are going to take place. Is it going to be better or worse? Analyze safety, leisure activities, and crime rates.
• The effects of shooting video games on our psychological health. Parents worry about their children playing games such as Counter-Strike. Is there any real danger? Can gaming develop any mental issues?
• Shootings in film and television: Does the media affect us? From westerns to John Wick movies, from cheap TV series to Hollywood blockbusters. Discuss if shooting in film can provoke somebody to buy a gun and use it one day.
• Gun control laws in the United States.
• The economic effects of gun control implementation.
• How much does it cost to add more gun control?
• Banning of civilian handguns in the US.
• Why do we need firearm education?
• Do guns make our homes safer?
• The case of officer-involved shooting.
• Gun control and safety of the US citizens.
• Is proper gun tracing possible?
• US gun control as a public policy issue.
• Gun ownership in rural and urban areas.
• Glorification of violence and murder in video games.
• Gun ownership and the Second Amendment.
• Concealed carry: A threat or a safety guarantee?
• Are we able to keep war guns out of civil life?
• Gun control problem.
• Does gun culture in the United States make lives safer?
• Misinformation about gun control in the media .
• History and effects of gun policy in the US.
• Is the Second Amendment still valid today?
• Should we raise the age of being able to buy guns to 21?
• Crime and its influence on gun control laws.
• Is there a need to get gun insurance?
• Do we need to ban purchases at gun shows?
• Strict gun control laws and homicide.
• Is online shopping for guns a way to avoid background checks?
• Gun shows and online dealers have to obtain federal licenses.
• Gun control: Social, legal and regulatory aspects.

Anti-Gun Control Essay Topics

There are other ways to kill and injure, and criminals don’t obey laws anyways. So, most people buy guns for self-defense.

This is what gun rights supporters say.

They also claim that gun control makes law-abiding citizens lose more.

Do you think that gun control does not support our rights and freedoms? This list is for you.

• The black market does not obey gun control laws: Don’t let the citizens be defenseless. Imagine what would happen if all the citizens gave up their guns. Criminals with unregistered weapons would instantly become the main danger. Analyze the possible risks of such events.
• The benefits of using firearms in self-defense . Long distance, deadly force, and a real reason not to get closer to you. There is no other self-defense weapon as efficient and dangerous. Provide some examples of successful self-defense.
• Gun control is not a deterrent to violence. Violent behavior is dangerous both with and without guns. The scariest thing is that there are people who can kill with bare hands. Discuss why we need to stop violence, not guns.
• The Second Amendment rights and the way gun control violates them. The right to keep and bear arms. It is a part of the Constitution, a part of the culture, a part of heritage. Analyze how gun control measures take that right away step by step.
• Alcohol prohibition scenario: Why gun control will not work. Bootleggers made a fortune on prohibition. They didn’t pay taxes as well. Why alcohol was illegal, you could still buy it. Why should it be any different with guns?
• The impossibility of controlling the firearm that is already purchased. People sell their guns, give them as presents, and buy them illegally. Discuss why control just can’t check and track them all.
• Gun control is a waste of taxpayers’ money. It is not going to be cheap. We don’t know if it is going to work. There are lots of other things to spend the money on. Education, environment, and health are more important these days.
• The future of shooting sports and hunting with gun control. Will they have to rent certain weapons without a right to own them? Or maybe get rid of half of what they already have? Think why that is not fair.
• Gun control and a loss of safety as a consequence. It is not a surprise that there are burglars, muggers, and maniacs . They are looking for the next victim every single day. How can people feel safe knowing they can’t defend themselves?
• Guns are just tools. It is people who kill. Think of knife stabbings, beaten people, and cars used as weapons. There are too many ways to hurt other people without guns. We should work on mental stability and anger management first.
• US gun control insufficiency in crime prevention.
• Mass shootings happen not because of the lack of gun control.
• Gun control cannot unarm the criminal world.
• Gun control and the right to keep and bear arms.
• Mental health services need more attention than gun control.
• Gun control is used to eliminate people’s freedom.
• Detailed description of reasons against gun control.
• Is the balance between gun control and gun rights achievable?
• The necessity of owning a gun if you live in a distanced area.
• Gun control effects in the US.
• The losses of the American gun industry because of gun control.
• Mass shootings are used as moral leverage to pass gun control.
• Gun ownership regulations in the United States.
• It is our right to own guns for recreational activities.
• Society is to blame for crimes, not guns.
• The debates against gun control.
• Gun control sets limits on the freedom of the citizens.

Pro-gun Control Argumentative Essay Topics

Everything changes. Rules change too.

Maybe it is the right time to adjust the laws?

The pro-gun control approach claims that mass shootings, gun injuries, and violence result from easy access to deadly weapons.

Choose one of these argumentative essay topics if you feel like supporting this side:

• Loopholes in the gun laws and the ways to fix them. There are too many inaccuracies, and people use them. For example, the Charleston loophole , the private sale loophole, and many others. We need to solve this problem before it is too late.
• Guns and domestic violence : Behind closed doors. Not everyone owns a gun only for self-defense measures. Women abusers use weapons to harm and threaten their victims at home. Discuss why psychological and physical harassment becomes a more dangerous problem if guns are involved.
• The reasons why we need stricter gun control. If mass shootings and unintentional harm are not enough, let’s look at statistics. Gun death rates are incredibly high in the USA.
• The stories behind school mass shootings. Kids get bullied and hurt. Some of them seek revenge. Others show signs of violent behavior months before shootings. Discuss why we should take a closer look at what children and teenagers do.
• The red flags laws show that we need more gun control . Every single mentally unstable person with a gun is a threat. We have to remove their weapons forcibly. Isn’t it better not to allow them to buy a gun first?
• The dangers of keeping a gun at home. For instance, a lot of children say they’ve held their parents’ guns. In most cases, they did it in secret. Abusers use guns at home as an instrument of violence.
• High suicide rates among gun owners. Gun owners are more likely to commit suicide. Most suicide attempts are not fatal. But if we take firearms as a method, they usually lead to death.
• High-capacity ammunition magazines are not needed for self-defense. One bullet is enough to threaten or even kill an offender. There can be even no need to shoot. Discuss why assault weapons are not necessary for defense.
• The benefits of extended background checks . Sometimes three days are just not enough for thorough data gathering and analysis. Analyze why it is better to wait than to risk.

• Gun control protects the rights of law-abiding gun owners. New restrictions don’t forbid people from owning and buying guns. If you do everything according to the laws, you don’t need to worry.
• No gun control means a green light for violence. The absence of regulations and rules causes chaos. When it comes to firearms, we need strict laws to protect society.
• Laws regulating civilian gun ownership in the US.
• What types of firearms should be banned for the general public?
• Gun control laws: Pros.
• What would be the effect of toxic masculinity in society without gun control?
• Reasons for a tighter gun control in the United States.
• Mental and background checks are a reasonable price to pay to save lives.
• Illegal weapon trafficking is a problem in the United States.
• Gun control: Stop wrong people from getting a gun.
• How can we avoid accidental death caused by guns?
• Do fewer guns mean fewer deaths?
• Gun control issue in the US.

Thought-Provoking Gun Control Essay Titles

There is more to say about the issue, that’s right. Political, social, and psychological problems always have connections that might seem invisible.

Do you want to write about something more complicated? Like, why does gun control not work?

Do you want to introduce your ideas and solutions?

Dive into more complex topics using this list:

• Does social activism change gun control attitudes? People go to rallies and post on their social media. Does it change the situation and people’s opinions ?
• Gun control and racial equity. Racist rivalry is a huge problem and a reason for many crimes. Gun assaults and shootings are not an exception.
• There are more critical issues than gun control. They say politicians deliberately draw too much attention to gun control. That is how we focus on unemployment, loans, and other acute social issues.
• Can we control so many American guns with the law? The estimated number of firearms in the US is 393 million. Many people doubt that such a quantity can be under supervision.
• Gun industry fights against Democrat politicians in the gun control battle. Of course, gun manufacturing and sales is a very profitable businesses. Primary consumers are American citizens, so the industry doesn’t want to lose its clients.
• Psychological profile of the minors who use guns. You can say they are naturally violent and aggressive. Or on the other side of the specter: too vulnerable and defenseless.
• Stand-your-ground law: Essential or too radical? It is a right to kill. In some cases, it might be the only option. Sometimes it is not, but property owners can still take advantage of it.
• Do safe lockers guarantee security at home? Every lock has a code or a key. It means that it is still possible to access it. Also, in a critical situation, rushing to the safe and opening it might take too long.
• Are weapon owners capable of defending themselves with guns from the people they know? People buy guns for safety. But what if the person who is a threat is a family member or a friend? It seems as if it is hard to pull the trigger.
• Gun control: Does it reduce or increase crime?
• Gun control and bans on smoking: possibly the same scenario?
• How can we prevent felons from obtaining guns?
• Should guns be banned in college campuses?
• Is it possible to prevent illegal gun trafficking?
• The best way to eliminate easy gun access.
• Hollywood vs. reality officer involved shootings.
• History perspective: Guns as an integral part of Americans’ identity.
• A better solution than stricter gun control laws.
• A tighter gun control policy is good for all Americans.
• Is it necessary to check people in crowded places?
• What are we left with to defend ourselves without guns?
• Should more gun control laws be enacted?
• What is the correct interpretation of the Second Amendment?
• Does gun control limit freedom of choice more than any other laws?
• Is gun control strict enough in the US?
• The roots of gun violence.
• Vigilantism among gun owners.
• How decision makers in Coquitlam can end gun violence.

👮 Persuasive Essay on Gun Control

Trying to persuade readers with your point of view, be as argumentative as possible. The essential aspect of a persuasive essay on gun control is new statistics and reliable facts.

However, be attentive with going too far – you will probably not change someone’s mind by being over-pressing.

Topics on Gun Control in Schools Pros and Cons

School mass shooting is always a tragedy of the national level. It is also one of the reasons people fight for gun control.

When it comes to children’s lives, every topic becomes more sensitive.

If you feel as concerned as students and parents, these topics are for you:

• Parents should keep their guns in safe storage, away from children of any age.
• Children of high school age should not be able to purchase guns.
• Schools need more mental health supervision to prevent gun violence.
• Are armed teachers a threat or safety insurance?
• Racism in schools is a trigger for violent behavior.
• Wearing weapons to reduce trauma.
• School safety plans need to be improved.
• Extreme risk laws are required in every state.
• We need threat assessment teams at school .
• Shooter drills are as important as fire drills.
• Educating children on the dangers of guns is better than arming teachers.
• Realistic shooter drills can psychologically traumatize children.
• School violence measures in the United States.
• Are active or lockdown shooter drills more effective?
• Bullying in school might lead to gun violence.
• The policy of gun control: The impact on school safety.
• Tolerance and support are the foundation of preventative measures at school.
• More guns at school lead to a higher probability of children gaining access to them.
• The control of gun violence in public places.
• Should teachers and staff members be allowed to bring guns to schools?
• Ban on assault weapons would make schools safer.
• Gun control laws: Reasons for toughening.
• Guns of any type have no place in schools.
• College students should be banned from having guns on campus.
• Domestic violence is one of the reasons for shootings in schools.

International Gun Control Laws

American gun laws differ a lot from the vast majority of European and Asian countries.

Is there something we can take over in the USA case?

Are there similar problems?

Are there any better solutions?

Explore the questions with these topics about gun control in other countries:

• Can we apply the Australian buyback program to the United States?
• Canada’s experience shows that stricter gun control works.
• Gun control as a controversial topic in China and the US.
• Gun control is the reason why Japan has such low death rates.
• The Government cannot enact European gun control laws in America.
• German psychiatric evaluation system for gun purchase is a solution.
• American culture will not obey European gun control.
• Canadian firearms program.
• American laws are the reason for higher death rates caused by guns compared to Europe.
• Switzerland could be an example for the United States in terms of gun control policy.
• Comparison of gun control in China and the US.
• Explain the rationality behind strict gun control in most European countries.
• Ban on handguns in Canada: Neither side is happy.
• “US Gun Policy: Global Comparisons” by J. Masters.
• Do Asian strict gun policies make sense?
• Democracy and gun control go hand in hand in Europe.
• Historical background of gun control in Japan.
• Gun control in America.
• European Firearms Directive restrains guns in the European Union.
• Europe proves that fewer guns mean less crime.
• Mass shootings as the reason for strict gun laws in Australia.
• Gun culture and strict regulations coexist in Israel.
• United Kingdom’s Snowdrop Petition : a savor or democracy killer?
• How does the United States influence gun policies around the world?
• Should we follow the European way towards strict gun regulations?

Persuasive Essay on Gun Control and Hunting

Sportspeople and hunters worry a lot about gun control. There is an opinion that these two categories of people should not be regulated by common gun control policies. Others think that rules are for everyone.

Hunters don’t have the same opinion on gun control too.

If you have something to say about it, take a look at the list below:

• Gun control punishes hunters instead of criminals.
• Semi-automatic guns save hunters’ lives from wild animals.
• Are bows and muzzleloaders good alternatives to guns in hunting sports?
• Should people have a right to own a gun?
• Hunters will still be able to buy guns and hunt with gun control.
• Hunters can accept new regulations if this helps to save lives.
• The issue of having a gun.
• Gun control should not ban hunting and target shooting weapons.
• Gun control sets unnecessary limits to hunting.
• Gun control in the USA: Strategy proposal.
• Does the Second Amendment apply to hunting ?
• Decreasing the number of hunters means less financing for wildlife foundations.
• Aspects of policies of gun control.
• Hunters already obey too many rules.
• The National Rifle Association represents itself, not hunters’ opinions.
• Examination of firearms and NGI system.
• Hunters are forced to take responsibility for criminals.
• Do hunters have to give up part of their weapons?
• A social issue: Possession and use of firearms .
• Hunting regulations might cost lives and safety in critical situations.
• Are high-capacity magazines and semi-automatic guns essential to hunting?
• Hunters oppose the National Rifle Association .
• Professional hunters suffer from gun control.
• Any gun ban affects hunters.
• Gun control leads to a reduction in the number of hunters.
• Do hunters need background checks?

More Gun Control Essay Titles

Haven’t found what you are looking for? Maybe you are just not sure that you have chosen the best topic.

There is nothing to worry about. We always have a backup plan for you.

Give it another chance with this list of 20 topics:

• Should carrying guns in public be prohibited?
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• The danger of other lethal weapons.
• Illegal drugs and illegal guns: Does the law have control over the market?
• Gun laws and their interpretation by courts.
• Just confiscating guns from potentially violent people is not enough.
• Gun control and democracy : Enemies or allies?
• The ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) policy requires no revision.
• Guns in cartoons and toy guns promote violence .
• Can gun control decrease premature death rates?
• The Brady Handgun Violence Act.
• Gun ownership changes the psychological profile of the owner.
• Feminism and gun control : Are they on the same side?
• Analysis of the need for gun control: The role of public opinion.
• Inherited weapons and gun control.
• Should gun collectors be concerned about gun control?
• “The Case for Moderate Gun Control” by David DeGrazia.
• Does gun control affect vulnerable neighborhoods?
• Preventing mentally unstable citizens from owning guns.
• Gun control and proliferation in the United States.
• The debate between democrats and republicans on gun control.
• How many deaths can we prevent with gun control?
• The Second Amendment and recent gun control debates.
• The difference between federal and state gun laws .
• Which state has the most efficient gun policies?
• Criminal law: Gun control overview.
• Current Government’s commitment to gun control.
• We should have enacted stricter gun control earlier.
• Gun control practices and criminal justice policies.
• Is there a middle ground between gun supporters and gun haters?
• Gun control argumentation: Ethos, logos, and pathos.

📑 Gun Control Essay Outline

You did your research, and now it’s time to share the results.

❕ Always keep in mind that not everyone is familiar with your topic.

First of all, create a draft. Make sure that you researched the topic well. If you are confident in the data you gathered and there is enough of it, you are ready. Create a list of claims and counterclaims , and briefly note the evidence to support each of them. That is how you structure your essay.

We believe you can do it! Let’s begin.

Essential Components of Gun Control Essay

Introduction

It is crucial to catch the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Ask an important question or provide surprising statistics. Try your best to hook the reader.

✏️ Tip : In a gun control argumentative essay introduction, you can also mention its complexity, the controversy of views, and the constant ongoing debate.

Here you need to describe and explain all the things your reader might not understand. It should be informative and helpful but not distracting. Remember that your task here is to make things simple, do not overcomplicate this part.

• Briefly introduce the problem.
• Provide some context (time frame, past events, etc.) essential to understanding your paper.
• Provide definitions.
• Describe why your topic is relevant and essential.

✏️ Tip: Depending on the focus of your gun control essay, operate specific policies or terminology applied to the issue.

State your opinion on the issue and explain it with your strongest arguments. Don’t forget to include one counterargument in the sentence.

✏️ Tip: When working on a pro- or anti-gun control essay, choose a very transparent and exhaustive thesis statement.

Take a look at your draft. You need to have at least two arguments for and one against your point of view. Don’t worry if some of the data you gathered is not required anymore.

✏️ Tip: Use your arguments consistently – they should be related to each other and perform one whole.

It’s time to look at your thesis statement and body paragraphs one more time. Summarize your thoughts and ideas first. Then paraphrase your thesis, briefly support it with evidence and explain why it matters.

✏️ Tip: Don’t introduce new information in the conclusion of a gun control essay. Instead, reflect on what you’ve said before, try to look at it from a new angle.

What to Avoid in Gun Control Essay

Remember that any topic related to gun control pros and cons is controversial. It also can be very sensitive for some readers. Everyone has different opinions based on their life experience, education, and thoughts. And we don’t know what all our readers have experienced.

That’s why there are primary rules everyone should follow when writing an essay on gun control – how not to offend anyone’s feelings.

5 things you have to avoid in a persuasive essay on gun control:

And we are done here!

If you didn’t find a perfect topic, try our research topic generator to get a custom topic you will love.

What else would you add to your gun control essays? Share with us in the comments below👇👇

Meanwhile, we’re off to work on other helpful materials for you.

Remember , whatever you are writing, stay positive and respectful!

🔗 References

• Opinion | Republicans want to make voting hard and gun ownership easy – The Washington Post
• Gun control fails quickly in Congress after each mass shooting, but states often act – including to loosen gun laws
• Is compromise possible? Republicans have gun control proposals too | Fox News
• FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Initial Actions to Address the Gun Violence Public Health Epidemic | The White House
• Biden orders gun control actions — but they show his limits
• US gun control: Could Joe Biden′s plan backfire? | Americas | North and South American news impacting on Europe | DW

414 Proposal Essay Topics for Projects, Research, & Proposal Arguments

725 research proposal topics & title ideas in education, psychology, business, & more.

168 Gun Control Topics & Research Questions

In this gun control topics compilation, we offer a polarizing discourse surrounding firearms regulations. Gun control is a complex and contentious issue encompassing discussions about individual rights, public safety, and the role of government in citizen welfare. These gun control essay topics will show diverse perspectives on gun control policies.

🤔 TOP 7 Gun Control Topics

🏆 best gun control topics, ✅ pro gun control essay topics, ❌ against gun control essay topics, 👍 gun control essay examples, 🎓 interesting gun control research questions, 💡 simple gun control essay topics, ❓ more gun violence titles.

• Gun Control in the United States
• Gun Control and Safe Firearm Ownership
• The Issue of Gun Control in the US
• Gun Control Rebuttal in the United States
• Arguments Against Gun Control
• A Court Case That Influenced Federal Decision on Gun Control
• The Effects of Gun Control on Crimes
• Analysis and Criticism of the US Gun Control Laws There is no definite evidence that allowing the carrying of weapons for defense reduces or increases the safety of the population and the number of attacks in general.
• The Problem of Gun Control in Watertown Watertown has experienced many cases of shootings and robbery with violence. The gun control is a significant problem in Watertown and should be addressed by all means possible.
• Gun Control, Self-Defense, and Beneficence to All The annotated bibliography meets all the criteria and helps to reveal the topic of gun control in the USA from different angles.
• US Gun Policy: Article Credibility and Usefulness The article draws a parallel between the United States and other leading developed economies to paint a clear image of the high number of gun owners in the United States.
• The United States Needs Stricter Gun Control Laws To ensure the safety of citizens, it is necessary to impose stricter laws related to gun control in the United States.
• Gun Control Legislation Should Be Revised The paper states that it is necessary to revise the legislation on arms control. Changes must be made to ensure the good of all US citizens.
• Gun Control Laws Introduced by Executive Branch The executive branch has introduced various laws that guide the citizens. One of the policies involves gun control and has led to endless debates in the country.
• Discussion Board Post: Gun Control Gun control represents a critical set of laws and regulations regarding the control over the civilian population’s proper use, prevention, or restriction of firearms.
• What Can be Done About Gun Control in the US? There are many measures that the US government can imply to overcome the gun problem in the country but there is a high chance they will face public outrage by doing so.
• The Gun Control in the United States The essay discusses the current situation with gun control in the United States and possible measures to improve it.
• The Debate on Gun Control. Law Control While some individuals believe that there is a need for stricter laws, others argue that bearing a legal firearm is a fundamental human right that must be protected.
• The Situation of Gun Control The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue associated with firearms regulation and examine the situation of gun control in different countries.
• Gun Control Laws Analysis The availability of guns is not the reason for the rise of violence and aggression. People use it for protecting themselves, relaxation.
• Gun Control and Legalization in the USA While some individuals consider the issue of gun control to be a crime, others consider it a rights issue, in addition to being political issue, safety, and racial issue.
• Strengthening Background Checks: The Need to Enhance Firearm Purchase Screening.
• Assault Weapons Ban: Curbing High-Capacity Firearms Proliferation.
• Red Flag Laws: How to Prevent Access to Firearms for Individuals at Risk.
• Closing Gun Show and Online Loopholes: Tightening Sales Regulations.
• Can Mandatory Waiting Periods Reduce Impulsive Firearm Purchases?
• Licensing and Registration as ways to Promote Accountability in Gun Ownership.
• Gun Buyback Programs: How to Encourage Voluntary Firearm Surrender?
• Do Safe Storage Laws Prevent Unauthorized Access to Firearms?
• Gun Control and Domestic Violence Prevention.
• How Strict Should Be Mental Health Evaluations to Ensure Responsible Firearm Ownership?
• Firearm Trafficking and Straw Purchases: Combating Illicit Trade.
• Youth Access to Firearms: Implementing Age Restrictions.
• Gun Control and Suicide Prevention.
• The Role of Gun Control in School Safety Measures.
• Gun Control and Reducing Police Shootings.
• Law Enforcement and Gun Control: Perspectives from the Field.
• International Models of Effective Gun Control Policies.
• Gun Control and Reducing Accidental Firearm Deaths.
• Economic Implications of Gun Violence: Healthcare Costs and Productivity Loss.
• Building Consensus: Finding Common Ground in the Gun Control Debate.
• Individual Liberties and Gun Ownership as a Part of Second Amendment.
• The Efficacy of Gun Control Measures in Reducing Crime Rates.
• Assessing Gun-Free Zones Impact on Public Safety.
• The Role of Firearms Ownership in Self-Defense and Personal Security.
• Firearms as a Deterrent: Examining the Potential of Armed Citizens.
• The Slippery Slope Argument: How Gun Control Can Lead to Further Restrictions.
• Law-Abiding Citizens and the Burden of Stricter Gun Control Laws.
• The Policy Should Target Criminals, Not Law-Abiding Gun Owners.
• Gun Control and the Challenge of Enforcing Regulations.
• Defending Against Tyranny: The Historical Context of the Second Amendment.
• The Cultural Significance of Guns in American Society.
• Concealed Carry Laws: Empowering Citizens for Personal Protection.
• What Are the Root Causes of Gun Violence?
• The Realities of Criminal Access to Firearms.
• Gun Control and its Potential Impact on Minority Communities.
• Law Enforcement Response Time: The Need for Immediate Self-Defense.
• The Role of Gun Ownership in Deterring Home Invasions.
• Major Lessons of International Gun Control Policies.
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Gun-Free Zone Policies.
• Balancing Public Safety with Individual Autonomy: The Ethical Debate.
• Argument of Origin: Gun Control An individual carries many different emotional and physical responses to sociological and economical stress and these stresses can be affected by violence and probable chance of violence.
• The Position of Major Political Parties on Gun Control Gun politics and gun control has been one of the most controversial issues in the United States of America politics.
• The Gun Control Controversy in the Constitutional Context Gun control is a controversial subject. Some argue that U.S. citizens do not need firearms today in the way they did at the time of the country’s founding.
• Emma Gonzalez Calling for Gun Control Legislation Emma Gonzalez advocates for the enactment of particular laws that will regulate gun sales properly, especially the policies related to effective wellness and background checkups.
• No Gun Control: Dropping Ineffective Measures Gun control has become one of the most debated issues in American society, creating two irreconcilable groups for and against heightened firearm regulation.
• Gun Control Issues and Solution in the US The US is the only developed country with the highest cases of gun violence. Gun ownership is protected by the Constitution. Many states have enacted gun control rules.
• Gun Control Laws in the USA It is important to analyze the essays’ epistemology and to examine the used sources to focus on the discussion of such essay topics as the necessity of gun control laws.
• Gun Control History and Relevant Cases in the US The mass killing of 20 children in Newton, Connecticut and the killing of 9 worshipers at a church in Charleston, California prompted gun-control advocates to reawaken the debate.
• US Gun Control: Losing Freedom or Safeguarding? Gun control has long been among the chief sources of debate in the US. This polarizing topic presents a powerful political tool and extensively used by Democrats and Republicans.
• Problem of the Gun Control Laws Many people die yearly due to handgun linked incidents. The number of casualties who die from gun related accidents, in the country, is much higher compared to other bordering countries.
• Gun Control and Anti-Violence Programs in the USA The USA is known for its high levels of violent crime. The issue of gun control is brought up every time a school shooting or a violent robbery happens.
• US Gun Control Measures and Crime Rates Reduction Gun control is an essential step that will ensure people account for several security aspects as is evident in this discussion.
• American Gun Control Laws: Reasons to Implement Gun control laws can be a necessary precaution that can reduce the risk of homicide. Yet, policy-makers should develop the most optimal strategies for implementing this policy.
• The Political Divide Over Gun Control Gun control has become a popular, controversial term, especially in America that covers a broad range of obligations regarding firearms.
• Gun Control: New Restriction Laws New restricting laws to regulate the situation with gun violence can be discussed as effective legitimate steps because they respond to the public’s vision of the problem.
• Gun Control: US Domestic Policy The paper reveals that the relationship between gun ownership and violence in the US is misleading, the government does not have a right to control gun ownership.
• Gun Control and School Shootings The adoption of stricter gun control laws can be useful for reducing the risk of shootings in various educational organizations.
• The Debate Over Gun Control The debate surrounding gun control has two differing sides: the pro-gun control and anti-gun control. This paper focuses on evaluating the two opinions in the gun control debate.
• Why Gun Control Laws Should be Scrapped With all the facts available, we can confidently debunk statements that gun control can indeed reduce crime rates because there is no evidence to prove that claim.
• Effects of Gun Control Measures in the United States Considerable research indicates that consistent gun control measures do not prevent criminals from possessing firearms.
• Political Sciences: Gun Control in the United States This paper underlines the reasons why gun control should be tightened across the United States, because allowing increased access to guns means increased damage to society.
• The Constitution and Gun Control
• Gun Control and Its Effects on Children
• Violence Policy Center Gun Control
• The Dichotomy Over Civilian Gun Control
• Gun Control Laws Should Not Be Regulated for Unnecessary Reasons
• The Current Loose Regulation of Gun Control Laws
• Gun Control and the State of Utah
• Federalists and Early American Gun Control
• Regulating the American Gun Control
• The National Rifle Association on Gun Control
• Liberals Love Gun Control
• Gun Control and the Issue of Violence Among Kids
• America Needs Criminal Control, Not Gun Control
• The Reasoning Behind Gun Control Laws
• Gun Control Firearms Firearm Crime
• Gun Control Pros and Cons in the United States
• The History, Politics, Stakeholders, and Legislation of Gun Control Laws
• Gun Control Laws Hurt the People
• The Need for Strict Gun Control in the United States
• The Gun Control and Ownership Battle in the United States
• The Stricter Gun Control Laws in the United States and Its Efficiency
• The Truth Behind the Demand for More Gun Control
• America Should Have Stricter Gun Control
• Gun Control Crime Rate Police
• The First Federal Gun Control Law
• Arguing Against New Jersey Gun Control Laws
• The Truth About Mass Shootings and Gun Control
• Gun Control Laws Take Guns Away From Law-Abiding Citizens
• American Federalism and Gun Control
• Louisiana Needs Gun Control Laws
• The Three Arguments and Myths of Gun Control
• Gun Control Laws Are Not Strict Enough for Society
• Public Gun Control and the United States
• The Desperate Need for Gun Control
• Gun Control and the Crime Rate
• The Great Gun Control Debate
• Youth and Gun Control
• Opposing Gun Control With the Right to Bear Arms
• Gun Control and the Rights of the Second Amendment
• Gun Control, Good Idea or Bad Idea
• Gun Control and the Federal Government
• Laws, Loopholes, and Gun Control
• Gun Control Has Many Effects in the USA
• Gun Control Should Not Be the Issue in Canada
• The Government and Gun Control
• Gun Control Laws Will Not Reduce Crime
• The Risks and Threats of Carrying Handguns in Society and the Importance of Gun Control
• Gun Control Will Not Reduce Crime
• The Issue and Debate of Gun Control
• Gun Control and the Issue of Owning Firearms
• Too Many Homicides, Too Little Gun Control
• Gun Control and Linkage Mechanisms
• Updating Gun Control Laws
• The Ineffective Gun Control Laws
• The Second Amendment Versus the Idea of Gun Control
• Gun Control Firearms and Freedom
• The Reasons Why Being Pro-gun Control Is Effective in Achieving Peace
• The Argument for Stricter Gun Control Laws
• Gun Control Restricting Rights or Protecting People
• The Pros and Cons of Gun Control in the United States
• Is Gun Control Likely To Reduce Violent Killings?
• What Are the Gun Control Rates in Australia?
• Why Do Experience and Culture Matter in the Gun Control Debate?
• What Are the Early American Origins of Gun Control?
• What Are the Effects and Consequences of Gun Control?
• Are Americans Shifting in the View on Gun Control?
• What Are the Alternative Approaches to the Gun Control Debate?
• Why the Movement for Gun Control in America Is Missing?
• What Is the State Gun Control Advocacy Tactics and Resources?
• Is Gun Control Really About People Control?
• What Is the Attitude Measurement and the Gun Control Paradox?
• How To Use the Issue Crawler to Map Gun Control Issue-networks?
• How To Explain Variation in Gun Control Policy Advocacy Tactics Among Local Organizations?
• What Is Media Influence on Attitudes Toward Guns and Gun Control?
• What Is the Factual Foundation for Certain Key Assumptions of Gun Control?
• Why Media Polls on Gun Control Are Often Unreliable?
• What Are Police Beliefs and Attitudes About Gun Control?
• How Does the News Media Cover Gun Control?
• What Are the Effects of State and Federal Gun Control Laws on School Shootings?
• What Is the Impact of Gun Control Legislation on Suicide?
• Does Gun Control Reduce Crime or Does Crime Increase Gun Control?
• What Are the Effects of Political Culture on Gun Control and Legislation?
• What Are the Effects of Cueing and Framing on Youth Attitudes Towards Gun Control?
• Why Do People Support Gun Control?
• What Is the Blockchain Solution to Gun Control?
• What Is the Ideology of Gun Ownership and Gun Control in the United States?

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These essay examples and topics on Gun Control were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 21, 2024 .

Gun Control Essay: Important Topics, Examples, and More

Gun Control Definition

Gun control refers to the regulation of firearms to reduce the risk of harm caused by their misuse. It is an important issue that has garnered much attention in recent years due to the increasing number of gun-related incidents, including mass shootings and homicides. Writing an essay about gun control is important because it allows one to explore the various aspects of this complex and controversial topic, including the impact of gun laws on public safety, the constitutional implications of gun control, and the social and cultural factors that contribute to gun violence.

In writing an essay on gun control, conducting thorough research, considering multiple perspectives, and developing a well-informed argument is important. This may involve analyzing existing gun control policies and their effectiveness, exploring the attitudes and beliefs of different groups towards firearms, and examining the historical and cultural context of gun ownership and use. Through this process, one can develop a nuanced understanding of the issue and propose effective solutions to address the problem of gun violence.

Further information on writing essays on gun control can be found in various sources, including academic journals, policy reports, and news articles. In the following paragraphs, our nursing essay writing services will provide tips and resources to help you write an effective and informative guns essay. Contact our custom writer and get your writing request satisfied in a short term.

Gun Control Essay Types

There are various types of essays about gun control, each with its own unique focus and approach. From analyzing the effectiveness of existing gun laws to exploring the cultural and historical context of firearms in society, the possibilities for exploring this topic are virtually endless.

Let's look at the following types and examples from our essay writing service USA :

• Argumentative Essay : This essay clearly argues for or against gun control laws. The writer must use evidence to support their position and refute opposing arguments.
• Descriptive Essay: A descriptive essay on gun control aims to provide a detailed topic analysis. The writer must describe the history and evolution of gun laws, the different types of firearms, and their impact on society.
• Cause and Effect Essay: This type of essay focuses on why gun control laws are necessary, the impact of gun violence on society, and the consequences of not having strict gun control laws.
• Compare and Contrast Essay: In this type of essay, the writer compares and contrasts different countries' gun laws and their effectiveness. They can also compare and contrast different types of guns and their impact on society.
• Expository Essay: This type of essay focuses on presenting facts and data on the topic of gun control. The writer must explain the different types of gun laws, their implementation, and their impact on society.
• Persuasive Essay: The writer of a persuasive essay aims to persuade the reader to support their position on gun control. They use a combination of facts, opinions, and emotional appeals to convince the reader.
• Narrative Essay: A narrative essay on gun control tells a story about an individual's experience with gun violence. It can be a personal story or a fictional one, but it should provide insight into the human impact of gun violence.

In the following paragraphs, we will provide an overview of the most common types of gun control essays and some tips and resources to help you write them effectively. Whether you are a student, a researcher, or simply someone interested in learning more about this important issue, these essays can provide valuable insight and perspective on the complex and often controversial topic of gun control.

Persuasive Essay on Gun Control

A persuasive essay on gun control is designed to convince the reader to support a specific stance on gun control policies. To write an effective persuasive essay, the writer must use a combination of facts, statistics, and emotional appeals to sway the reader's opinion. Here are some tips from our expert custom writer to help you write a persuasive essay on gun control:

• Research : Conduct thorough research on gun control policies, including their history, effectiveness, and societal impact. Use credible sources to back up your argument.
• Develop a thesis statement: In your gun control essay introduction, the thesis statement should clearly state your position on gun control and provide a roadmap for your paper.
• Use emotional appeals: Use emotional appeals to connect with your reader. For example, you could describe the impact of gun violence on families and communities.
• Address opposing viewpoints: Address opposing viewpoints and provide counterarguments to strengthen your position.
• Use statistics: Use statistics to back up your argument. For example, you could use statistics to show the correlation between gun control laws and reduced gun violence.
• Use rhetorical devices: Use rhetorical devices, such as metaphors and analogies, to help the reader understand complex concepts.

Persuasive gun control essay examples include:

• The Second Amendment does not guarantee an individual's right to own any firearm.
• Stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence in the United States.
• The proliferation of guns in society leads to more violence and higher crime rates.
• Gun control laws should be designed to protect public safety while respecting individual rights.

Argumentative Essay on Gun Control

A gun control argumentative essay is designed to present a clear argument for or against gun control policies. To write an effective argumentative essay, the writer must present a well-supported argument and refute opposing arguments. Here are some tips to help you write an argumentative essay on gun control:

• Choose a clear stance: Choose a clear stance on gun control policies and develop a thesis statement that reflects your position.
• Research : Conduct extensive research on gun control policies and use credible sources to back up your argument.
• Refute opposing arguments: Anticipate opposing arguments and provide counterarguments to strengthen your position.
• Use evidence: Use evidence to back up your argument. For example, you could use data to show the correlation between gun control laws and reduced gun violence.
• Use logical reasoning: Use logical reasoning to explain why your argument is valid.

Examples of argumentative essay topics on gun control include:

• Gun control laws infringe upon individuals' right to bear arms and protect themselves.
• Gun control laws are ineffective and do not prevent gun violence.

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How to Choose a Good Gun Control Topic: Tips and Examples

Choosing a good gun control topic can be challenging, but with some careful consideration, you can select an interesting and relevant topic. Here are seven tips for choosing a good gun control topic with examples:

• Consider current events: Choose a topic that is current and relevant. For example, the impact of the pandemic on gun control policies.
• Narrow your focus: Choose a specific aspect of gun control to focus on, such as the impact of gun control laws on crime rates.
• Consider your audience: Consider who your audience is and what they are interested in. For example, a topic that appeals to gun enthusiasts might be the ethics of owning firearms.
• Research : Conduct extensive research on gun control policies and current events. For example, the impact of the Second Amendment on gun control laws.
• Choose a controversial topic: Choose a controversial topic that will generate discussion. For example, the impact of the NRA on gun control policies.
• Choose a topic that interests you: You can choose an opinion article on gun control that you are passionate about and interested in. For example, the impact of mass shootings on public opinion of gun control.
• Consider different perspectives: Consider different perspectives on gun control and choose a topic that allows you to explore multiple viewpoints. For example, the effectiveness of background checks in preventing gun violence.

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Pro-Gun Control Essay Topics

Here are pro-gun control essay topics that can serve as a starting point for your research and writing, helping you to craft a strong and persuasive argument.

• Stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence in America.
• The Second Amendment was written for a different time and should be updated to reflect modern society.
• Gun control and gun safety laws can prevent mass shootings and other forms of gun violence.
• Owning a gun should be a privilege, not a right.
• Universal background checks should be mandatory for all gun purchases.
• The availability of assault weapons should be severely restricted.
• Concealed carry permits should be harder to obtain and require more rigorous training.
• The gun lobby has too much influence on government policy.
• The mental health of gun owners should be considered when purchasing firearms.
• Gun violence has a significant economic impact on communities and the nation as a whole.
• There is a strong correlation between high gun ownership rates and higher gun violence rates.
• Gun control policies can help prevent suicides and accidental shootings.
• Gun control policies should be designed to protect public safety while respecting individual rights.
• More research is needed on the impact of gun control policies on gun violence.
• The impact of gun violence on children and young people is a significant public health issue.
• Gun control policies should be designed to reduce the illegal gun trade and access to firearms by criminals.
• The right to own firearms should not override the right to public safety.
• The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from gun violence.
• Gun control policies are compatible with the Second Amendment.
• International examples of successful gun control policies can be applied in America.

Anti-Gun Control Essay Topics

These topics against gun control essay can help you develop strong and persuasive arguments based on individual rights and the importance of personal freedom.

• Gun control laws infringe on the Second Amendment and individual rights.
• Stricter gun laws will not prevent criminals from obtaining firearms.
• Gun control laws are unnecessary and will only burden law-abiding citizens.
• Owning a gun is a fundamental right and essential for self-defense.
• Gun-free zones create a false sense of security and leave people vulnerable.
• A Gun control law will not stop mass school shootings, as these are often premeditated and planned.
• The government cannot be trusted to enforce gun control laws fairly and justly.
• Gun control laws unfairly target law-abiding gun owners and punish them for the actions of a few.
• Gun ownership is a part of American culture and heritage and should not be restricted.
• Gun control laws will not stop criminals from using firearms to commit crimes.
• Gun control laws often ignore the root causes of gun violence, such as mental illness and poverty.
• Gun control laws will not stop terrorists from using firearms to carry out attacks.
• Gun control laws will only create a black market for firearms, making it easier for criminals to obtain them.
• Gun control laws will not stop domestic violence, as abusers will find other ways to harm their victims.
• Gun control laws will not stop drug cartels and organized crime from trafficking firearms.
• Gun control laws will not stop gang violence and turf wars.
• Gun control laws are an infringement on personal freedom and individual responsibility.
• Gun control laws are often rooted in emotion rather than reason and evidence.
• Gun control laws ignore the important role that firearms play in hunting and sport shooting.
• More gun control laws will only give the government more power and control over its citizens.

Example Essays

Whether you have been assigned to write a gun control research paper or essay, the tips provided above should help you grasp the general idea of how to cope with this task. Now, to give you an even better understanding of the task and set you on the right track, here are a few excellent examples of well-written papers on this topic:

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Final Words

In conclusion, writing a sample rhetorical analysis essay requires careful analysis and effective use of persuasive techniques. Whether you are a high school student or a college student, mastering the art of rhetorical analysis can help you become a more effective communicator and critical thinker. With practice and perseverance, anyone can become a skilled writer and excel in their academic pursuits.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

84 Gun Control Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🔫 how to write a gun control essay: do’s and don’ts, 🏆 best gun control topic ideas & essay examples.

• 💡 Most Interesting Gun Control Topics to Write about

❓ Gun Control Essay Questions

Writing a gun control essay can be tricky if you’ve never done it before.

However, there are some things that will make the process much easier and help you get a good grade. Here is a list of what to do and what not to do while writing an essay on gun control:

• Don’t rely on news articles to provide you with reliable information. Some news sources may twist data in order to convey certain ideas that may not be entirely true. Similarly, you should avoid relying on politicians’ statements because they may be biased.
• Do search scholarly articles and official reports on the topic. These types of resources often contain raw data that is more reliable than other people’s interpretations.
• Don’t assume a position before you’ve done enough research. Although you may have a certain opinion based on your political beliefs or other people’s influences, it may prevent you from offering an unbiased view in your essay. Hence, make sure that you’ve read as much as possible on the subject before writing your gun control essay thesis.
• Do consider gun control in a global context. Different countries and states have various laws in place to promote gun safety. Comparing various outcomes between two or more areas with different gun control laws will give you more things to write about in the paper.
• Don’t ignore the issues related to gun control. Gun violence is among the most obvious topics that you can include in the paper. However, try to think about other issues, such as terrorism, police brutality, illegal gun dealing, and more. Reviewing the influence of gun control on other problems will give your essay more depth and might offer a new perspective on the issue.
• Do research gun sample essays on gun control before you begin writing. These can help you to understand the full scope of the issue and the various opinions on it. A good gun control essay example may give you new thoughts on the content, structure, titles, and arguments.
• Don’t forget about the structure. Organization and logical flow of the paper are just as important as the content. To help with this part, create a gun control essay outline containing your key points. These points should be the topic sentences, followed by related explanations or examples.
• Do capture the reader’s attention from the beginning. Essays on controversial subjects, such as gun law problems, tend to be similar to one another. How do you think your tutor would feel if they had to go through ten or more papers with the same thoughts and arguments? To draw attention and make the reader interested in reading further, you need to ensure that your first sentence contains a hook. A good gun control essay hook may be a rhetorical question or a contented statement made by a politician.
• Don’t forget to give your reader a proper closure. The final paragraph of the paper should offer a summary of all the themes covered, as well as your conclusions based on research. Remember that this part of the essay should not contain any new information. Instead, restate your thesis and main points and show how your interpretation of the gun control problem was influenced by this information.

Lastly, do check our site for more information on how to write an argumentative or persuasive paper!

• Greater Gun Control Is a Good Idea A stricter legislature on guns in society means that people with and without firearms can live with the guarantee of a safer community that reduces gun access to unwarranted personnel. Gun control is a good […]
• An Argument against Gun Control This paper will argue that the US government does not have any right to control guns and as such, it should respect the second amendment and stop taking up measures to impose gun control on […]
• Gun Control in the United States of America Moreover, when the public is in possession of guns, it makes it hard for the police to maintain law and order since they can be entangled in a scandal.
• Gun Control: Gun Reforms Could Save Lives Gun violence has been a challenge that needs to be addressed and has resulted in the deaths of people through murder, suicide, and accidents. Both of them agree that gun policies and restrictions can be […]
• Think Tank Positions on Gun Control It is known that the arbitrary usage of the weapon brings irrecoverable losses and undermines the confidence in safe living. It is doubtful whether the professionals will come to the house of the potential offender […]
• U.S. Gun Control and Violence The culture of conflict resolution by violence is a common theme in the history of the U.S. This culture could be one of the reasons why the U.S.records one of the highest numbers of private […]
• Exercises for Expression: Drafting Expression About Gun Control in Pennsylvania To evoke the needed emotions from the audience, I would emphasize the effect of lax gun control measures on children and families.
• Gun Control Debate: Problem Analysis and Studies The purpose of this paper is to analyze how empirical research in the USA evaluates the effectiveness of county legislation on the licensing of arms through its influence on the level of violent crime.
• Gun Control: A Matter for Everybody’s Concern In fact, the policies existing in the United States regulating the rules of gun control can be evaluated as sort of frivolous and, thus, causing a row of problems for people’s safety.
• Gun Control Policies: Pros and Cons The purpose of this paper is to analyze the benefits and limitations of gun control. Mass media remains the main source of information about weapons and contributes to the popularity of firearms in society.
• Gun Control: In Favor of a Stronger Law However, it can be said that the gun control law is easy to formulate keeping in view the problems and highly workable within a comparatively small frame of time, say a couple of months.
• Gun Control: Term Definition The main objective of the research would to develop a form of argumentative system that would be instrumental in helping out the policymakers and enable them to lead a normal logical conclusion on the subject […]
• Gun Control versus the Right of Autonomy This discussion presents the ‘harm principle,’ arguments for and against the liberal interpretation of this principle, and presents Lafollette’s reasoning that the banning of guns, particularly handguns does not violate the tenets of this principle.
• Political Sciences: Gun Control Laws The most prominent constitutional issue related to the topic is reflected in the Second Amendment that defends the individual right to keep and bear arms.
• Gun Control in America: Public Opinion & Policies However, although the abolition of the Second Amendment will not be able to solve the problem of shooting entirely, tighter control over the possession of weapons is necessary to ensure greater security for citizens.
• Federalism and Gun Control in the United States 2 Each type of government possesses a set of duties and powers that it can exercise in the region, and the relationship between the levels is established in the Constitution.
• Gun Control Is Not the Answer – Education Is The issue of gun control in the US is a complicated matter due to the extensive history of violence and debates regarding the efficiency of regulations that aim to minimize access to weapons.
• Stricter Gun Control Saves Lives! In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that gun control efforts in the USA are failing as the prevalence of violence in the streets and domestic settings is alarming.
• Gun Control in the US: Empirical Analysis The data collected include the total number of fire arms in the US, the number of people living in poverty, number of people consuming alcohol, population between 18-24 years, and unemployment rate. The number of […]
• Gun Control Legislation in Colorado The success of this issue is explained by the fact that this problem has occurred in the United States long ago and many people grew to support the gun control measures.
• American Gun Control, Limits and Background Checks This shows that extensive limitations on gun ownership and sale can have a considerable impact on gun-related deaths within a country and supports the argument that amendments should be made on the Second Amendment.
• Banning the Possession of Guns Proponents argue that the more uncontrollably the government continues to allow firearms’ possession to the public, the higher the chances of acquisition by the ‘high risks groups’ and hence threatening the public security.
• “The Truth About Mass Shooting and the Gun Control” by Benjamin Domenech Written by Benjamin Domenech, the article, “The truth about a mass shooting and the gun control”, unravels the mysteries behind mass shootings and the ever-controversial topic of gun control.
• The Debate on Gun Control The gun violence has led to the debate on gun control and the recent incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut that saw the death of 26 children has reignited the debate and President […]
• Necessitating Gun Control Laws in the US As a matter of fact, the Second Amendment to the constitution of the United States protects the right of people to acquire and own guns.
• Gun Control in US In order for the gun control to ensure a reduction in the rate of crimes, there should be an evaluation of the impact of the gun control policy on availability and accessibility to firearms, especially […]
• Debate of Gun Control in America Those suggesting that ownership of the gun is illegal and unethical observe that the local authorities and the federal agencies in charge of the gun control policy are not doing enough in terms of policy […]

💡 Most Gun Control Topics to Write about

• Gun politics in the United States The movie theatre shootings in Aurora and the more recent school shootings are examples of events that have contributed to the increased gun-control debate. In the article, the authors contribute to the debate on gun […]
• Gun legislation in the United States The second factor that contributes to gun violence in the United States is the fact that guns are made available to the youth.
• Gun Control Pro and Contra For instance in the United States, guns use is the main cause of most of the suicidal and homicide cases. Many Americans think that limitation of use and ownership of guns in the United States […]
• The Evolution of Gun Control Policy in College Campus: The Path to Better Policy Making It is also important to know if the parents or one of the parents have membership in a gun club. There is a need to find out what kind of obstacles will be encountered if […]
• Gun Control: Impact on Crime and Gun Availability This paper will set out to ascertain the impact that gun control laws have on violent crime prevalence and the number of guns available to civilians in the US.
• Proper Gun Control in the U.S. Majority of the Americans also feel that they have the right to possess firearms hence the issue of gun control will only be against their constitutional rights.
• Gun Control in the USA: Inconsistency, Irrationality and Improbability Indeed, taking a closer look at the problem of the use of guns, one will notice that, for the most part, people refer to high crime rates within the state to prove their point.
• Gun Control in Deterring Repeat Offenders It would cost less to enforce gun control regulations than to constantly convict repeat offenders and withstanding the worst of their crimes.
• Gun Registry in Canada The enacting of the law resulted to the formation of Canada Firearm Centre that was meant to foresee the implementation of the program.
• Gun Control Is Important: Here’s Why With regard to whether an individual should have the right to own a gun, it is imperative that one knows that the right to bear arms is an individual and not a collective right.
• Gun Laws regulating and controlling Guns Much as the opponents of firearm regulations have raised strong arguments for the need to continue owning guns, this paper states that the dangerous individuals should be stopped from handling guns in order to stop […]
• Gun Limitation: Proponents and Opponents of Gun Control The proponents have also promised that gun control initiatives are not focused on taking away the rights of Americans to own and use firearms.
• Gun Control Policy: Will it solve suicidal shootings in America? Using ethos, the author has drawn the readers to understand the situation brought by the access of guns to the young people in the United States using the case of Kameron.
• The Gun Control Problems Either way the issue of guns is analyzed, it is clear that the higher the availability and permission to possess firearms, the more chances there are that someone will use weapons.
• The Role of the Government in Providing Policies and Overcoming Crises: Gun Control Laws and Policies The US Government is the main authority in providing the necessary laws and policies in order to regulate all the spheres of the public’s life in the country.
• Gun Control Debate: Security in the U.S. On the other hand, there is another group that opposes any attempt to control guns in this country, citing the security of the civilians when they are denied opportunity to own guns.
• Good Gun Control Law Controversy A good gun control law should be under the control of the federal or central government; therefore, ensuring its inclusion in the constitution.
• The best idea of regulating guns in the United States is restricting the purchase of bullets Reason # 1: Tracking the buyers of bullets makes it easier to regulate guns in the United States Guns are nothing but empty vessels without ammunition and so it would help a great deal if […]
• Gun Control in United States This paper will look at various ways of gun control, the available statistics, background checks of control of guns, ownership of guns and the measures that the United States government has taken to control spread […]
• Should Guns be Limited? We will also aim to show that, contrary to what the majority of na ve people believe, the introduction of more and more gun control laws results in the drastic increase of violent crime rates, […]
• Justice on guns control The argument that possession of the guns by the civilians protects them against the tyranny of the state is frequently advanced.
• Gun Control in Society Being in possession of a gun would allow the individual to employ own capacities for self-protection. On the contrary, more awareness of weapons should be introduced to ensure a higher self-confidence and security among the […]
• Legislative Bans: For and Against the Gun Control The standard checks ensure the medical drugs in use are of superior quality and of higher benefit to the people. Gun control is the legal limitation on the use and ownership of a gun.
• Gun Control: A Case Against Gun Ownership Arguments that current gun control measures are paving the way for a ban on all private ownership of guns are therefore alarmist in nature and should be ignored.
• Guns Should Be Controlled or Restricted in the USA The problem is in fact that the causes of the phenomenon are not only in increasing the atmosphere of violence in the society but also in the availability of the methods to realize the violent […]
• Obama’s Speech on the Issue of Gun Control In the case of the speech “Obama on Gun Control” this takes the form of the President attempting to convince the American public of the righteousness of his cause on the basis of the image […]
• Gun Control in the USA This clause states, “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a state the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”.
• Are Gun Control Laws in the U.S. Protecting Us?
• Will Gun Control Stop Harm or Protect Citizens?
• What Should and Shouldn’t Be Allowed for Better Gun Control?
• Should America Have Stronger Gun Control Laws?
• Where Do Ted Cruz and Beto Orourke Stand in the Debate Over Gun Control?
• How Should the Gun Control Laws Be Less Restrictive?
• Who Supports Gun Control?
• Will Stricter Gun Control Laws Hurt This Country?
• Should Anti-gun Control Be Banned?
• Why Does America Need Stricter Gun Control Laws?
• Does America Need Tighter Gun Control, or Is the Problem Intrinsic to Society?
• Why Won’t Gun Control and Ban on Certain Guns Work in the United States?
• Can Gun Control Prevent Mass Shootings?
• Why Does Gun Control Need to Be Implemented?
• Does Gun Control Control Crime?
• Why Have Most Attempts to Pass Federal Gun Control Legislation Failed?
• Are Stricter Gun Control Laws Needed?
• Why Do People Feel Gun Control Is Unfair?
• Does Gun Control Infringe on a Person’s Constitutional Rights?
• Why Should Gun Control Laws Be Stricter?
• Can Gun Control Solve the Epidemic of Gun Violence?
• Why Does the United States Not Need Gun Control?
• Does Gun Control Lower Crime Rates?
• Are the Laws for Gun Control Sufficient, or Should There Be More?
• Does Gun Control Work or Is the Wrong Issue Being Addressed?
• How Much Gun Control Does America Need?
• Will Gun Control Reduce Crime?
• What Role Should the Government Play in Gun Control?
• Why Should the Gun Control Law Be Allowed?
• Will Gun Control Cause Any Changes in Society?
• Youth Violence Research Topics
• Crime Ideas
• Police Brutality Questions
• Organized Crime Titles
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• Murder Questions
• Criminal Justice Essay Topics
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Gun Control Argumentative Essay: The Definitive Guide

What Is Gun Control?

Gun control refers to the regulation and management of firearms within a given jurisdiction. It involves the creation and enforcement of laws, policies, and measures aimed at restricting the possession, use, and distribution of firearms. The objectives of gun control vary, but they often include enhancing public safety, preventing gun-related crimes, reducing the likelihood of mass shootings, and addressing concerns about domestic violence.

Gun control measures can encompass a range of policies, such as background checks for gun buyers, restrictions on the types of firearms and accessories available for civilian use, waiting periods before obtaining a firearm, and limitations on the number of firearms an individual can own. Additionally, some jurisdictions may implement licensing requirements, mandatory firearm registration, and regulations regarding the storage and carrying of firearms.

Debates surrounding gun control often involve discussions about individual rights, constitutional interpretations (such as the Second Amendment in the United States), and the balance between personal freedoms and public safety. Advocates for gun control argue that it is necessary to curb gun violence and prevent tragedies, while opponents may emphasize the importance of individual liberties and the right to bear arms for self-defense.

Overall, gun control is a complex and contentious issue that involves finding a balance between protecting public safety and respecting the rights of individuals to own firearms.

How to Choose a Topic for Argumentative Essay on Gun Control?

Choosing an argumentative essay on gun regulation involves considering various factors to ensure that your topic is relevant and engaging, allowing for a thorough exploration of the issue. Here are some tips to help you choose a compelling argumentative essay topic on gun control:

1. Define Your Position

• Consider your stance on the issue. Are you in favor of stricter gun control measures, or do you argue for more permissive policies? Understanding your position will guide your topic selection.

2. Consider Current Events

• Look at recent news and developments related to gun control. Timely and relevant topics often generate more interest and provide an opportunity to engage with current debates.

3. Narrow Down the Focus

• Gun control is a broad topic. Narrow it down to a specific aspect or angle that interests you. For example, you could focus on the impact of gun control on reducing crime, the effectiveness of background checks, or the constitutional implications.

4. Research Available Data

• Ensure that there is enough research material available on your chosen topic. Access to credible sources and data will strengthen your argument and provide evidence to support your claims.

5. Consider the Audience

• Consider your target audience and choose a topic that resonates with their interests and concerns. Tailoring your argument to your audience can make your argumentative essay more persuasive.

6. Explore Both Sides

• Choose a topic that allows for a balanced discussion. Exploring both sides of the argument demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue and can make your argumentative essay more nuanced and convincing.

7. Avoid Extreme Positions

• While it's important to have a clear stance, avoid overly extreme positions that may alienate readers. Aim for a topic that allows for a reasonable and well-supported argument.

8. Address Local or Global Perspectives

• Consider whether you want to focus on gun control at a local, national, or global level. Different regions may have unique challenges and perspectives on the issue.

9. Check Assignment Guidelines

• Ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the guidelines and requirements of your assignment. Check for any specific instructions provided by your instructor.

10. Personal Connection

• If you have a personal connection or experience related to gun control, it can add depth and authenticity to your argumentative essay. However, be mindful of maintaining a balanced and evidence-based argument.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a great argumentative essay topic on gun control that allows for a thorough exploration of the issue and engages your readers.

How to Write a Gun Control Argumentative Essay?

Writing a gun control argumentative essay involves presenting a clear and persuasive argument on the topic. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you structure and write your argumentative essay:

1. Understand the Assignment

• Before you start writing, make sure you understand the requirements and guidelines of your assignment. Know the purpose of your argumentative essay and any specific instructions from your instructor.

2. Choose a Strong Thesis Statement

• Develop a concise and specific thesis statement that outlines your main argument or position on gun control. This statement should clearly convey your stance on the issue.

3. Research Thoroughly

• Gather information from credible sources to support your argument. Look for data, statistics, expert opinions, and case studies related to gun control. Ensure that your research is balanced and addresses both sides of the issue.

4. Outline Your Argumentative Essay

• Create a well-organized outline to structure your argumentative essay. Divide it into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should have a clear purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of your argument.

5. Write a Compelling Introduction

• Start your argumentative essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic, provides background information, and ends with your thesis statement. Capture the reader's attention and set the tone for your argument.

6. Develop Strong Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point or aspect of your argument. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence and provide evidence to support your claims. Use examples, statistics, and quotations to reinforce your points.

7. Address Counterarguments

• Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints. Anticipate counterarguments and refute them with strong evidence and reasoning. Demonstrating awareness of alternative perspectives adds credibility to your argumentative essay.

8. Use Clear and Convincing Language

• Write in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. Avoid vague language and ensure that your arguments are logically presented. Use transition words to create a smooth flow between paragraphs.

9. Provide Real-Life Examples

• Support your arguments with real-life examples or case studies. Personal stories, historical events, or current news stories can add depth to your argumentative essay and make your points more relatable.

10. Conclude Effectively

• Summarize your main points in the conclusion and restate your thesis. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

11. Revise and Edit

• Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Check for any inconsistencies or gaps in your argument. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to improve the overall quality of your argumentative essay.

12. Format According to Guidelines

• Ensure your argumentative essay follows the required formatting guidelines, including citation style (APA, MLA, etc.). Properly cite all sources used in your research.

By following these steps, you can craft a well-structured and persuasive gun control argumentative essay that effectively communicates your position on the topic.

Gun Control Argumentative Essay Topics

Here’s a list of excellent argumentative essay topics on gun control to use in writing your argumentative paper. If you like any of the topics but have no time to develop them properly in a written form, please consult our argumentative essay writing service .

• Stricter laws could help reduce gun violence.
• Background checks may prevent crimes involving guns.
• The Second Amendment's role in individual rights and public safety is unclear.
• Checking mental health might improve gun control efforts.
• Countries with fewer guns tend to have lower homicide rates.
• Gun lobbyists have a significant impact on making laws.
• Arming teachers may not be the best idea for school safety.
• Gun shows contribute to unregulated gun sales.
• Gun buyback programs aim to make communities safer.
• Community policing could be better for public safety than strict gun control.
• Access to firearms affects domestic violence rates.
• Preventing mass shootings may require more than just gun control.
• Gun control may affect racial groups differently.
• Concealed carry laws may impact personal protection and public safety.
• Smart guns and new technology aim to make firearms safer.
• America's love for guns impacts gun control discussions.
• Deciding on gun laws raises questions about federal vs. state control.
• Gun violence has significant economic costs to society.
• Learning from other countries may inform better gun control approaches.
• Media plays a role in shaping public perception of gun control issues.

Pro-Gun Control Argumentative Essay Topics

Stricter gun control regulations get all the hype nowadays, given the recent events in the United States. It may be a smart choice to examine pro-gun control topics if you want to draw readers’ attention.

• Making background checks universal can help control guns.
• Waiting periods before buying guns may prevent impulsive violence.
• Strict licensing for guns is necessary for public safety.
• Banning high-capacity magazines can reduce the severity of mass shootings.
• Smart gun technology enhances safety and limits unauthorized use.
• Mental health screening should be a part of gun purchases.
• Red flag laws can prevent individuals at risk from accessing guns.
• Understanding public opinion is crucial for effective gun control.
• Gun control is vital in addressing domestic violence and protecting victims.
• Examining the impact of gun-free zones on public safety is important.
• Community policing can help collaboratively address gun violence.
• Reducing accidental shootings involves looking at gun ownership.
• Addressing gun trafficking requires better cooperation between federal and state authorities.
• Gun control is crucial for reducing injuries and promoting public health.
• Connecting gun control with suicide prevention is essential.
• Examining the influence of corporate interests in the firearms industry is important.
• Gun control can be a deterrent, learning from international success stories.
• Banning assault weapons mitigates the impact of military-style firearms.
• Stricter regulations are needed to reduce the economic cost of gun violence.
• Promoting responsible gun ownership laws through education enhances safety and awareness.

Anti-Gun Control Argumentative Essay Topics

Always weigh in on the pros and cons of a certain topic. Although it may seem contradictory, anti-gun control topics can allow the classroom to explore an opposing point of view to understand the counterparts better and maybe come up with interesting conclusions on the matter.

• Individual rights should prevail over stricter gun control measures.
• The Second Amendment protects an inviolable right to resist further regulations.
• Background checks are doubted for their efficacy in preventing crimes.
• Waiting periods for gun purchases are seen as an infringement on personal freedom.
• High-capacity magazines' direct link to mass shootings is challenged.
• Pushback against smart gun technology raises concerns and critiques.
• Mental health screening is criticized for potential stigmatization and privacy issues.
• Red flag laws need to balance safety and individual liberties.
• Skepticism surrounds public opinion on the need for more gun control.
• Gun-free zones are questioned for their role in attracting criminal activity.
• Community policing is favored over strict gun control for addressing root causes.
• Accidental shootings raise questions about individual responsibility versus legislation.
• Gun trafficking solutions should focus on local rather than federal measures.
• Unintended consequences of gun control on law-abiding citizens are highlighted.
• Doubts persist about the effectiveness of gun control in improving public health.
• Corporate influence on gun control legislation deserves a closer examination.
• Skepticism exists about the applicability of international approaches to local contexts.
• The impact of an assault weapons ban on personal defense is scrutinized.
• The economic consequences of stricter gun control are considered unintended.
• Educational initiatives are suggested as an alternative approach to gun safety.

Gun Control Argumentative Essay Example

As we studied what gun control is, why it stirs so much controversy, and what are some great topics to write about, it’s time we analyzed one of the argumentative essay examples regarding gun control. Keep in mind – it’s for your inspirational needs only!

The Gun Control Debate: Constitutional Rights vs. Public and Personal Safety

The issue of gun control has been a contentious topic that has sparked intense debates across the United States. On the one hand, proponents argue for stricter regulations to curb the rising gun violence. On the other hand, opponents emphasize the importance of protecting individual rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Striking a balance between these two perspectives is essential to ensure public safety without infringing upon constitutionally protected freedoms.

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution 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." This amendment has been at the center of the gun control debate, with advocates arguing that it guarantees an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense and protection against tyranny. Any attempt to restrict this right must be carefully examined to avoid violating the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The alarming increase in gun violence in recent years has raised concerns about public safety. Mass shootings, homicides, and suicides involving firearms have become all too common, necessitating a reevaluation of existing gun control measures. Stricter regulations on the purchase, possession, and use of firearms are essential to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands and to mitigate the devastating consequences of gun-related incidents.

Implementing effective gun control measures requires finding a middle ground that respects individual rights while promoting public safety. Background checks, waiting periods, and mandatory firearm training are potential measures that can help ensure responsible gun ownership. By focusing on these aspects, the government can maintain a balance that protects both individual liberties and the collective safety of the community.

Addressing mental health issues is a crucial aspect of the gun control debate. Many incidents involving firearms are linked to individuals with untreated mental health conditions. By investing in mental health resources and integrating mental health evaluations into the gun purchase process, society can strive to prevent individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms.

Comparing the gun control policies of other developed nations can provide valuable insights. Countries with stricter gun control measures often experience lower rates of gun violence. Analyzing these models can help the United States identify effective strategies that balance individual rights and public safety.

In conclusion, the gun control debate is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration of individual rights and public safety. Striking a balance between the two is crucial to addressing the escalating gun violence while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens. By implementing sensible regulations, focusing on responsible ownership, and addressing mental health concerns, society can work towards a safer future without compromising fundamental freedoms.

Final Remark

Gun control regulation sparks considerable controversy in the United States due to deeply entrenched cultural and political factors. The country has a long-standing tradition of gun ownership dating back to its founding, with the Second Amendment enshrining the right to bear arms in the Constitution. Additionally, the historical significance of firearms in shaping American identity and the perceived importance of self-defense contribute to staunch opposition to any perceived infringement on gun rights. 

Moreover, the issue is heavily politicized, with political parties and interest groups taking firm stances on either side of the debate. Given its complexity and relevance to contemporary society, students should explore this topic through argumentative essays to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted factors at play, ranging from constitutional interpretation and public policy to social and cultural dynamics.

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Gun Control Paper Topics

[Post information was updated in April, 2024]

We have gathered gun control topics that will help you with your writing, but let’s find out what gun control means to write a better essay or speech. The concept of gun control itself is quite vague. The statement that anyone is either a supporter or an opponent of gun control is ambiguous.

In the modern American political context, tougher control over guns can mean anything from federal registration of personal firearms to statutory penalties for using them for committing a crime, or completely banning the production, sale, or possession of certain types.

So, the following gun control topics can be used by you to come up with ideas and paper writing help for your own writing.

Discussion gun control topics

• Discuss media bias and propaganda on gun control.
• Gun control laws aim to restrict or regulate firearms by selecting who can sell, buy, and possess certain guns. Criminals do not obey laws and stricter gun control laws or banning guns will have little effect on reducing crimes. In three pages, discuss how the current US president is acting contrary to the statement above.
• Discuss the pros and cons of gun control. What is gun interdiction and how does it help the community? What are some additional strategies that the police and/or the community could employ? What is your viewpoint on the topic and why?
• Discuss how gun control is beneficial on a global scale.
• We are seeing more and more school shootings and more mass murders, but will banning guns solve the problem? Discuss.
• Discuss ethical problems of the near future related to gun control.
• Discuss how the topic of gun control has become a controversial issue in today’s society.
• Discuss the prevention of school shootings.
• Discuss the relation of mental health and gun control.
• Discuss how education and human services focus on school violence and gun control.
• Discuss how strong gun control laws save money and lives.
• Discuss how demographics of Americans influence their opinions on gun control.
• Discuss why gun control is non-effective in our local communities in Mississippi.

Analytical essay topics on gun control

• Should the US Federal Government create stronger regulations on gun sales at gun shows? If so, how exactly should these regulations be designed?
• In the article “We Call BS,” the author Emma Gonzalez uses logos, ethos, and pathos to explain how more gun control is necessary and how it could help make the world a safer and better place for our future. Do you agree?
• Is gun control an effective way to control crime?
• A detailed analysis of the impact of Trump’s political beliefs and Republican ideologies on gun control in America.
• Does gun control violate your rights as a US citizen, and how does gun control affect law abiding citizens?
• Should the US government increase restrictions when it comes to gun control?
• Analyze how gun control does not reduce gun violence.
• Analyze US values related to gun ownership.
• Analyze the issue of gun control in Georgia.
• Do we need tougher gun control laws?
• Analyze how regulation might affect gun crime or gun cultures. How effective are gun control measures in combating gun crime?

Compare and contrast gun control paper topics

• Compare and contrast the development of gun rights versus gun control issue in the United States with the development of said issue in Texas.
• Compare modern liberal and modern conservative views on gun control.
• British gun control and crime rates compared to American gun control and crime rates.
• Compare the state of violence with gun control and without it.
• Compare gun deaths in the USA and in Germany.

Argumentative essay topics for gun control

• Why will gun control not fix America’s violence problem?
• Should teachers be allowed to carry registered guns on school campuses? Should there be stricter laws on gun control?
• Mass shootings and how stronger gun control is not needed to reduce mass shootings.
• Why do we need more gun control?
• Gun control in NYC from 1980 to 2010.
• Has gun control decreased crime in the United States?
• Gun control laws need to be stricter.
• If existing gun control laws can’t stop mass shootings, why would new laws be any better?
• Australia’s gun control laws after the 1996 mass shooting and how it was effective.
• How do civil liberties relate to the gun control debate?
• Views on gun control due to race, gender, and geographical location.
• Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun?
• People should have to pass a psychiatric evaluation to buy assault rifles.
• Does gun control reduce crime, or does it leave people unable to defend themselves?

Persuasive speech topics on gun control

• How gun control will reduce mass shootings.
• The effects of gun control on law enforcement and crime.
• Based on the works of Hobbes, Locke, and Sandel’s two chapters, prepare a speech that takes a philosophical stance on the current issue of gun control laws.
• Gun control is not the problem, people are.
• Gun control and steps (if any) the nation can take to make changes in the current legislation.
• The long war over gun control.
• How gun control laws help in curbing crime.
• Actions to be taken to improve the safety of society.
• Taya Kyle’s argument on how gun control won’t protect us.
• The impact of gun control on gun crime and gun cultures.

It is impossible to write a decent essay without a good topic – that’s why now you have a chance to write a high-quality paper. You can also use our writing help if you don’t have writing skills or time to do it on your own. Thus, you can forget about your writing problems.

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Argumentative Gun Control

This essay about gun control examines the intense debate surrounding the issue in the United States, balancing arguments for stricter regulations against the constitutional right to bear arms. Advocates for tighter gun laws argue that such measures would decrease the high rates of gun violence by mirroring successful policies from other countries. In contrast, opponents believe that the focus should be on addressing mental health and crime rather than restricting gun ownership, asserting that guns are necessary for personal protection and that current laws need better enforcement rather than new restrictions. The essay suggests that a balanced approach might be most effective, respecting the Second Amendment while implementing reasonable limitations to enhance public safety. This complex issue calls for a thoughtful exploration of both individual rights and community safety.

How it works

The discourse concerning firearm regulation in the United States persists as a highly contentious matter, fracturing communities and frequently straddling the boundary between individual autonomy and communal security. This exposition delves into the myriad arguments encircling firearm control, scrutinizing both the advocacy for stricter protocols to mitigate firearm-related harm and the rebuttals advocating for unhindered access to firearms, as enshrined by the Second Amendment.

At the crux of the argument for enhanced firearm control lies the nexus between facile access to firearms and the heightened incidence of firearm-related harm in the U.

S. Advocates for firearm control often underscore data showcasing a correlation between firearm possession rates and occurrences of firearm-related fatalities. These proponents posit that nations with stringent firearm control statutes, such as Japan and the United Kingdom, witness markedly fewer instances of firearm-related incidents vis-à-vis the U.S. They posit that instituting analogous regulations—such as thorough background evaluations, obligatory waiting intervals, and constraints on firearm varieties—might plausibly curtail the frequency and gravity of mass shootings and firearm-related homicides.

Conversely, adversaries of more stringent firearm control contend that firearms are not inherently problematic; instead, they attribute issues of mental wellness and criminality as the crux of firearm violence. They contend that the entitlement to possess firearms is constitutionally safeguarded, accentuating the Second Amendment’s guarantee of the right to retain and bear arms. This faction argues that possessing a firearm is indispensable for personal safeguarding and that firearm control statutes would not inherently thwart malefactors from illicitly procuring firearms. Instead, they advocate for enhanced mental health provisions and more efficacious law enforcement as panaceas for firearm violence.

Additionally, there exists the discourse concerning the efficacy of extant firearm statutes. Opponents of heightened firearm control protocols highlight that numerous locales with elevated rates of firearm violence, such as Chicago, already impose rigorous firearm statutes. They argue that these stipulations have failed to ameliorate firearm offenses, positing that novel statutes would likely encounter similar inefficacies. This standpoint engenders the proposal that rather than promulgating fresh statutes, there should be a concerted focus on enforcing extant statutes more effectively and attending to other contributors to violence.

Despite the dichotomous perspectives, the dialogue encompassing firearm control is in a state of flux, particularly in the aftermath of recurrent mass shootings. This has prompted some to advocate for an equitable approach that upholds the Second Amendment while integrating judicious restrictions to ensure communal security. For instance, propositions like comprehensive background evaluations garner extensive public backing, including among firearm possessors. The objective is not to interdict responsible firearm ownership but to forestall access to firearms by individuals predisposed to their irresponsible utilization.

In summation, the discourse on firearm control is intricate and deeply entrenched within American cultural and political terrains. While there exists palpable evidence suggesting that heightened firearm control could precipitate a reduction in firearm violence, the preservation of constitutional entitlements and apprehensions regarding the efficacy of such statutes convolute the discourse. A nuanced strategy that amalgamates respect for individual entitlements with a dedication to communal security might offer the most viable avenue for diminishing firearm-related harm without transgressing the liberties enshrined by the Constitution. This intricate issue mandates meticulous discourse and judicious action from all stakeholders implicated.

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Gun Control Essay: Goals, Topics, And How to Write

13 October, 2020

14 minutes read

Author:  Mathieu Johnson

The issue of gun control is yet one of the top topics for heated debates. Some people have rather a negative opinion regarding gun control; others support it and believe that loose gun control rules lead to violence and devastation. And since the topic of gun control is represented by a multitude of contrasting opinions, it might be the topic for your next college paper.

The subject of gun control is an ongoing question, that is why many students either get assigned  a gun control essay or do so for personal motives. What to include in your gun control essay and how to outline your ideas? You can find the answers to your questions in this guide.

Gun Control Essay: Definitions, Goals & Topics

Once you get assigned a gun control essay, you first need to make sure that you fully understand what a paper’s main idea is. As you can tell from the name ‘gun control essay’, such an essay asks you to indicate your opinion regarding restrictive regulations of gun use and production. While most countries have been limiting gun possession to minimize the risk of innocent people dying, the USA hasn’t. On the contrary, the US has persuasive gun control, meaning that almost anyone can buy and hold a gun. Many people share an idea that gun possession should be limited and permitted only to particular categories of people, that is why the question is very ongoing.  So the most critical goal of a gun control essay is to present reasonable ideas about why people need or don’t need gun control. 

Some of the compelling and relevant topics for a gun control essay may be:

• Gun ownership promotes violence among young people
• Gun ownership is unlikely to prevent some people from murdering 
• Gun possession as the only way to protect oneself
• The wide accessibility of guns is the reason for suicides in the US

Gun Control Essay Titles

When writing a pro gun control essay, your initial task is to pick an intriguing, catchy title. You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of such a step if your goal is to attract the reader’s attention and make them aware of a topic. The thing to keep in mind is intriguing the audience and making them willing to take a deep dive into the subject. If you have no precise vision of which title to choose, take a look at a few tips we prepared for you.

First and foremost, you need to have a precise position regarding gun control in America. Are you a supporter, or are you firmly against gun control? Since there is yet a heated debate on this issue in the USA, you can decide to write either a for or against essay on gun control. 

Titles supporting gun control: 

• Violence has never solved any problem
• Guns out of control: why should innocent people die?
• Youth violence as the result of no gun control

Titles opposing gun control:

• Gun control won’t prevent people from killing 
• Gun control: why should we sacrifice our lives just because we can’t defend ourselves?
• Illegal weapons trade as the only guaranteed outcome of gun control.

Gun Control Essay Structure

Most likely, you already know that a good structure largely predicts the success of a gun control argumentative essay. Whenever you are willing to present your opinion on a specific issue and want to convince the audience that your arguments are valid, you should sound logical. The ultimate way to make your gun control essay structure coherent and comprehensive is to draw an outline and plan the essay thoroughly. To assure that your argumentative essay on gun control communicates your idea to the reader, make sure to follow the structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Introduction 

It would help if you organized your gun control essay introduction in a way that serves as an attention grabber. Namely, you can feel free to include some rhetorical question at the beginning or literally any good essay hook. To grab the reader’s attention, you may also outline some background information so that a reader grasps the idea of your gun control persuasive essay. And last but not least, don’t forget to introduce the most important part of a gun control essay outline – a thesis statement. A sound thesis statement gives a reader a general understanding of what you will cover in your essay.

Main body paragraphs’ role is to reveal what you mentioned in the thesis statement. Since your gun control essay will most likely be argumentative, you need to devote one paragraph to one argument. In each and every body paragraph, your main task is to build on some solid evidence and refer to numbers or facts to protect your position. It is better to include 3-5 body paragraphs so that the gun control essay doesn’t look messy. 

When writing a gun control essay conclusion, you should avoid adding any extra information. Try to be very precise and make sure you restate the arguments you have indicated before. All in all, your gun control essay should logically end up with a summary of all the points. The reader has to be 100% sure that he or she fully comprehended your idea. 

Best Tips For Writing Gun Control Essay

An outline is everything.

Create an outline even if you think that this step isn’t indeed necessary. Even when you have all those sparkling ideas and structure in your mind, it requires no effort to confuse them. And if we talk about an argumentative essay, it is fundamental for you as a writer to sound convincing and confident. An outline helps you to sound so. Hence, don’t neglect dedicating a few minutes to creating a helpful essay plan.  

Find some convincing evidence 

The goal of any gun control essay is to communicate an idea of why strict gun control is necessary or should be abandoned. After reading your essay, the audience will form an exact opinion: gun control is either good or bad. Try to search for some substantial evidence, numbers, particular cases that you find helpful while supporting your arguments. Otherwise, you undermine the chances of being heard. 

Write about the topic that bothers you 

Don’t try to figure up titles and topics that aren’t interesting for you. The point of a gun control essay is to make your voice heard and to be sincere while presenting your ideas. Try to give some ideas the way you see them, discuss only those topics that cannot let you stay indifferent. Only in this way will you end up with an excellent essay. 

Edit and proofread

Once your essay is ready, don’t forget to proofread it and check it at least twice. So many excellent essays get a terrible score just because some minor mistakes spoiled the general impression! You can use a wide array of means to make sure your paper is polished: ask your friends to check it, use online tools, or ask a professional essay writing and editing service to get your paper checked by an expert.

Gun Control Essay Examples

If you feel like you need to refer to an example to get a profound insight into an idea of a gun control essay, here is one for you.  

Strict gun control deprives people of their legal rights

The US is the country in which the share of people who own a gun is impressively high. Besides, there is no single country in the world that can be compared to the US by the number of firearms in the citizen’s hands. According to the official statistics, 80 percent of adults own a gun, meaning that the likelihood of  a stranger you come across in the street possessing one are unbelievably significant. Recently, several regulations attempted to restrict gun possession to impose gun control. However, gun control is not only unjustifiable, but it also deprives people of their right for self-defence and peaceful life.

First and foremost, gun control, unfortunately, does not reduce the murder and crime rates in the US. Although it should generally hold true, the statistics contradict the misbelief that limiting gun possession minimizes the number of crimes committed. The research on weapon ban which was carried out during the past twenty years demonstrates that there is no correlation between reducing gun ownership and a falling number of murder cases. The research also indicated that the states that imposed strict gun control have witnessed a larger number of crimes.

This all leads to the conclusion that imposing a ban on gun possession is not a way to fight crime. Also, as the evidence shows, the number of guns in the US had been steadily growing in the last century, and this coincided with a decrease in the number of crimes committed. Essentially, gun control is unlikely to resolve the issue of crimes, since some people are likely to commit crimes even when they have no gun at their disposal.

Another argument against gun control is that the first inevitably infringe the citizen’s rights, Namely, banning weapons contradicts the right that the constitution of the US guarantees. According to the second amendment, under no circumstances should the citizen’s rights to possess a gun  be infringed. The right to own a gun had already existed long before many countries appeared on the map. That is why many people deem gun control as a crime against humanity. Even though there is yet some logical explanation to an attempt to control gun usage and manufacturing, it still deprives US citizens of their inviolable right.

What is even more, the supreme court together with the constitution considers gun ownership as one of the liberties that all the US citizens have. Just like the freedom of speech, the space to protect oneself is crucial, and it should remain untouchable. Introducing gun control, therefore, leads to violating people’s freedom and liberties since people become incapable of even defending themselves in their property.

Gun control robs people of the right for safety and self-defence. Imposing strict gun regulations will inevitably make millions of people incapable of defending themselves if something threatens their and their close ones’ lives. According to the data represented by the National Rifle Association, the number of cases of gun usage solely for self-defence purposes equals 2.5 million times annually. People use guns to protect their families and property, but, apparently, the states find the self-defence motive weak enough. If they impose strict gun control, it means that these 2.5 million people may literally sacrifice their lives and die just because they couldn’t hold a gun legally.

The truth is, the Police are physically incapable of protecting all the people who need protection, so these people are bound to defend themselves on their own. But how to protect yourself  if you cannot even possess a gun? So far, using a weapon for self-defence has proved to be the most effective way . Therefore, depriving people of the right for self-defence or for saving other people in trouble is inhumane and unjustified.

Overall, gun control has lately become a hot topic that has both its advocates and opponents. So far, the evidence against gun control is very reasonable and convincing. Gun control robs the citizens of their exceptional right – the right to protect themselves and those in danger. Besides, gun control contradicts the second amendment, which guarantees the right to possess a gun for adult US citizens. Finally, it is unlikely to reduce the crime rate as the science hasn’t yet found any valid proof for that.

Write a Gun Control Essay with HandmadeWriting

Composing a brilliant essay about gun control is somewhat challenging due to the peculiarity of this topic. But this is not something above your capacity. Keeping all the tips in mind as well as following a precise gun control essay structure will significantly facilitate the writing process. And if you need help with writing or editing – HandmadeWriting will have you covered! At any time of day and night, essay writers at HandmadeWriting work hard to deliver top-quality papers and support students from all over the world. So if you’re struggling with your essay, feel free to get in touch with us. 

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Arguments Against Gun Control Laws

• Categories: 2Nd Amendment Gun Control Gun Violence

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Words: 1104 |

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 1104 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, literature review, federal gun control laws, can gun control laws be effective.

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Gun Control Argumentative Essay – Sample Essay

Published by gudwriter on October 21, 2017 October 21, 2017

A Break Down of my Gun Control Argumentative Essay

Styling Format: APA, 6th Edition

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Title: Stricter Gun Control Laws Should Be Adopted

Introduction

I have tried to design the introduction in such a way that it attracts the attention of the reader and gives him an idea of the essay’s focus. My first sentence comprises of some startling information: The pervasive gun culture in the United States of America is a creation of the country’s frontier expansion, revolutionary roots, colonial history, and the Second Amendment. It is not totally new information to the readers. In fact, it is a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point that I wish to make. It is followed by a sentence of elaboration. In addition, I have tried to ground the reader with some information that is relevant to understand my thesis. Lastly, I have finished my paragraph with a thesis statement for my argumentative essay.

To get your essay on gun control written for a cheap price, connect with a professional research paper writer for help on this platform where we have a pool of experts to choose from, making it easy for you to get matched fast. You can also use our essay generator to get a quality and plagiarism free paper.

The body of my gun control essay contains reasons + evidence to support my thesis. Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of that paragraph. If you have read the essay, you can see that my explanations try to answer a simple question: how does this evidence support my thesis?

I have tried to sum up my points and provide a final perspective on gun control in an effort to bring closure to the reader. I have reviewed my main points, trying not restate them exactly, and tried to briefly describe my feelings concerning the topic. I was unable to find a good anecdote that would have ended my essay in a useful way.

References:

Though, I won’t recommend it, I have used some news articles from CNBC and NYTimes as part of my references. I would advise you to go for more credible sources such as peer reviewed articles and journals.

Argumentative Essay on Gun Control

Gun control is a controversial subject in the United States of America. In the wake of so many tragic mass shootings, like the recent Las Vegas Shooting, the conversation  tends to pull in two directions : Those who believe gun laws should be less strict and those pushing for more restrictions.

When you are writing a gun control argumentative essay, you are free to take any side you want, unless your instructor specifically tells you to take a certain side. What matters is that whichever position you choose, ensure you have good points and supporting facts.

In this gun control essay, I have decided to take a pro gun control approach:  strict regulation up to and including an outright ban on firearms. In fact, my thesis statement for this for argumentative essay is  stricter gun control laws should be enacted and implemented if the United States is to solve the problem of mass shootings and reduce crime within its borders.

My essay is divided into three basic parts, the introduction, the body and the conclusion.

Here is my gun control argumentative essay. Enjoy!

Stricter Gun Control Laws Should Be Adopted

The pervasive gun culture in the United States of America is a creation of the country’s frontier expansion, revolutionary roots, colonial history, and the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment stipulates, “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” (“Second Amendment,” 2020). The argument fronted by proponents of stricter gun control laws is that the amendment targeted militias and not the common citizen. They are of the view that gun control restrictions have always been there and that they serve to enhance the security of the country and the various states. The opponents however argue that through the provisions of the Second Amendment, individuals have the right to own guns. Their view is that individuals need guns for self-defense and that gun ownership thwarts criminal activities. This paper argues that stricter gun control laws should be enacted and implemented if the United States is to solve the problem of mass shootings and reduce crime within its borders (my argumentative essay thesis statement ).

On 1st October, 2017, the U.S. witnessed one of the worst mass shooting incidences in its history, probably the worst. The shooting, as observed by Swift (2017), was conducted by a common U.S. citizen who was a gun owner. Following the incidence, there has been rage and confusion all over the country as to whether the gun control debate is still relevant. A whopping 59 people died in the incidence with 500 others sustaining serious injuries (Swift, 2017). This incidence alone, the Second Amendment notwithstanding, tells why the country is in dire need of very strict gun control laws. Nothing can compensate for human life and it is even worse when life is lost at the hands of another human being. It becomes more serious when one person decides to kill, without stopping to think, as many people as time and other factors would allow them to! The latest gun incidence is a clear sign that the threat of lives being lost due to misuse of personal guns is more real than the threat of one losing their life due to lack of self-defense.

Given the latest mass shooting incidence, together with such other past incidences, it could be safely argued that the Second Amendment is being misinterpreted to mean what the framers of the Constitution never intended nor meant. It is high time the three branches of the federal government, together with the states, sought a clear reinterpretation of “well-regulated militia”. It cannot be that those who effected this amendment “authorized” what was recently witnessed in Las Vegas. As pointed out by Insana (2017), “The Founding Fathers, who lived before the invention of the Gatling gun, could not have envisioned civilians commanding the right to hunt turkeys, or humans, with modern ferocity”. The Second Amendment is surely not a leeway for citizens to have unlimited rights to own guns. A well-regulated militia should imply that a state, or the country, adequately serves its law enforcement agencies with the right ammunition and weaponry so as to ensure security. This has however unfortunately been misinterpreted to mean anyone can own a gun.

Stricter gun control laws would reduce deaths resulting from individually owned guns. Street (2016) reports that between 1999 and 2013, the number of gun deaths totaled 464,033. Out of this, 270,237 were gun suicide cases, 9,983 were unintentional deaths, and 174,773 homicides. It is thus crystal clear that mass shooting is not the only way in which guns are being used for the wrong purposes. It is emerging that giving an American citizen the right to own a gun is akin to giving them a shorter way of executing their evil plan of killing themselves, if they had it that is. If a gun is meant for self-defense and crime prevention, isn’t gun suicide the exact opposite of this? As a matter of fact, one would be safer from their own selves without a gun than with a gun. This is why it should be made tremendously difficult for people to acquire guns.

Opponents of gun control laws argue that introduction of such laws would deny people a sense of safety by infringing upon their right to self-defense. This argument is oblivious of the fact that weak gun control laws compromise even the safety of the gun holder himself or herself (Purcell, 2013). Moreover, it is the role of the federal government to ensure that every American citizen is always safe irrespective of the part of the country they find themselves. Building and maintaining strong security agencies is enough to ensure this. On the same note, the “right to self-defense” argument would lose its meaning if an individual cannot first of all defend themselves against themselves. When a person knowingly or unknowingly harms themselves using a gun they own, it means they lack the very self-defense they acquired the gun for.

To take their argument even further, the opponents would contend that the Second Amendment gives every American the right to possess personal guns. They often cite the phrase “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” (Burke, 2017), with more emphasis on the “shall not be infringed” part. They forget that the same clause contains some “well regulated militia” part which should be equally given as much weight as the other parts. While it is true that this right should not be infringed, according to the Constitution, it should not culminate in anybody being allowed to own guns. If the right is as absolute as opponents suggest, firearms would be owned by children and even mentally ill felons, a situation one can never wish for. It is thus a farfetched and unnecessary argument.

The enactment and implementation of very strict gun control laws by the United States is long overdue. People cannot continue butchering innocent citizens in the name of enjoying the provisions of the Second Amendment. If it is the Second Amendment that is creating all this loss of life and lawlessness, it should be thoroughly reinterpreted so that it works in the best interest of all Americans. Nobody has the right to take their own life and that of others. It is sad that gun ownership perpetuates this phenomenon. This discussion reveals that gun ownership is neither promoting self-defense nor deterring crime but promoting the same.

Burke, D. E. (2017). “Why the arguments against gun control are wrong”.   Huffpost . Retrieved July 11, 2020 from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/why-the-arguments-against-gun-control-are-wrong_us_59d6405ce4b0666ad0c3cb34. Accessed 29 June 2020

Insana, R. (2017). “The time for polite debate on gun control is over”. CNBC . Retrieved October 20, 2017 from https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/05/the-time-for-polite-debate-on-gun-control-is-over.html

Purcell, T. (2013). Shotgun republic: the gun control debate . North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Second Amendment. (2020). In Cornell Law School . Retrieved July 11, 2020 from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/second_amendment

Street, C. (2016). Gun control: guns in America, the full debate, more guns less problems? no guns no problems? . North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Swift, H. (2017). “Gunman’s girlfriend arrives in U.S. and is expected to be questioned”. The New York Times . Retrieved October 20, 2017 from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-live-updates.html

Sample 2: Gun Control Essay Outline

Thesis:  Gun control is important for solving mass shooting problems and crime reduction.

Paragraph 1:

Stricter gun control laws are needed for addressing the persistent mass shooting problem in the U.S.

• The gun control debate might have been made irrelevant by probably the worst mass shooting in the U.S. history that occurred on October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas.
• The shooting claimed 59 lives and left 500 people with serious injuries.
• The Second Amendment does not allow for such heinous acts in the name of owning a gun.
• Innocent lives should not be lost at the hands of one person who judges it right to terminate human lives.

Paragraph 2:

Gun control would help address misinterpretation of the Second Amendment by individual gun owners.

• It is apparent that people are misinterpreting the amendment to mean what was not intended by framers of the constitution.
• A clear reinterpretation of a “well-regulated militia” should be sought.
• Those who debated over and passed the amendment could not have authorized mass shootings of innocent citizens.

Paragraph 3:

Deaths resulting from individually-owned guns would decrease if stricter gun laws were adopted.

• Between 1999 and 2013, there were 464,033 gun deaths out of which 174,773 resulted from homicides, 9,983 from gun accidents, and 270,237 from suicide.
• Thus, individual gun owners are using guns in more destructive ways than just mass shootings.
• Gun suicide is the exact opposite of self-defense and crime prevention, the reasons for which gun ownership was allowed.

Paragraph 4: 

The quantity of guns in a society determines the rate of gun violence in the society.

• A good case example to prove this is Japan.
• The country has made it very difficult for its citizens to acquire guns.

Paragraph 5:

Opponents of gun control argue that gun control laws would infringe into people’s right to self-defense and thus deny them a sense of safety.

• This argument fails to recognize that even the safety of the gun holder herself or himself is compromised by weak gun control laws.
• Moreover, the safety of all American citizens wherever they may be is the responsibility of the federal government.
• It would be enough to guarantee this safety by building and maintaining strong security agencies and policies.

Paragraph 6:

Opponents argue that gun control laws give too much power to the government and that this may make the government tyrannical.

• This argument is wrong because the United States is a country founded on strong Constitutional provisions that clearly spell out the rights of citizens and indicate that the country is democratic.
• There is no room for government tyranny.

The U.S. should enact and implement very strict gun ownership laws if it is to solve mass shooting problems and reduce gun-related crime. People cannot purport to be enjoying the provisions of the Second Amendment while continuing to butcher innocent citizens.

Sample Essay 2: Gun Control Essay

The United States continues to experience a pervasive gun culture owing to its colonial history, revolutionary roots, frontier expansion, and the Second Amendment. According to the Second Amendment, “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” (Cornell Law School, 2017). Proponents of gun control argue that the amendment did not target the common citizen but militias. However, the opponents argue that the amendment guarantees express rights for individual gun ownership. This paper argues that gun control is important for solving mass shooting problems and crime reduction.

Stricter gun control laws are needed for addressing the persistent mass shooting problem in the U.S. The gun control debate might have been made irrelevant by probably the worst mass shooting in the U.S. history that occurred on October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas. The shooting, conducted by a common citizen possessing a gun, claimed 59 lives and left 500 people with serious injuries (Swift, 2017). The Second Amendment does not allow for such heinous acts in the name of owning a gun. So many innocent lives should not be lost at the hands of one person who judges it right, out of their personal reasons, to terminate human lives. The mass shooting incidences clearly indicate that there is more threat of lives being lost through misuse of guns than the threat of people losing their lives due to lack of self-defense.

Gun control would also help address misinterpretation of the Second Amendment by individual gun owners. It is apparent that people are misinterpreting the amendment to mean what was not intended by framers of the constitution given the past shooting incidences. A clear reinterpretation of a “well-regulated militia” should be sought by the three federal government braches in collaboration with the state governments. It is definite that those who debated over and passed the amendment could not have authorized the October 1, 2017 Las Vegas shooting incidence and such other incidences. Moreover, “The Founding Fathers, who lived before the invention of the Gatling gun, could not have envisioned civilians commanding the right to hunt turkeys, or humans, with modern ferocity” (Insana, 2017). The amendment was meant for protection of lives, not as a threat to lives.

Additionally, deaths resulting from individually-owned guns would decrease if stricter gun laws were adopted. Between 1999 and 2013, there were 464,033 gun deaths out of which 174,773 resulted from homicides, 9,983 from gun accidents, and 270,237 from suicide (Street, 2016). It is thus crystal clear that individual gun owners are using guns in more destructive ways than just mass shootings. It is apparent that letting an American citizen own a personal gun provides them with a quicker way of committing suicide if they had the plans to. Noteworthy, gun suicide is the exact opposite of self-defense and crime prevention, the reasons for which gun ownership was allowed. Acquiring guns should thus be made very difficult for people since it would make them safer from their own selves.

Another general observation is that the quantity of guns in a society determines the rate of gun violence in the society. A good case example to prove this is Japan. Research notes that the country has made it very difficult for its citizens to acquire guns. Even upon being allowed to acquire one, it would only be an air rifle or shotgun but not handguns (Low, 2017). Low (2017) goes on to cite the executive director of Action on Armed Violence, Iain Overton, who argues that a civilian society does not need guns for whatever reason. Overton adds that gun violence will inevitably be there in a society once the society has guns. According to journalist Anthony Berteaux, violence should never be used to quell violence hence the less need for guns.

Opponents of gun control argue that gun control laws would infringe into people’s right to self-defense and thus deny them a sense of safety. This argument fails to recognize that even the safety of the gun holder herself or himself is compromised by weak gun control laws (Purcell, 2013). Moreover, the safety of all American citizens wherever they may be is the responsibility of the federal government. It would be enough to guarantee this safety by building and maintaining strong security agencies and policies. Besides, if an individual cannot first of all defend themselves against themselves, the “right to self-defense” argument loses its meaning. When a person uses their own gun to cause self-harm either knowingly or unknowingly, it means they lack the very self-defense the gun is meant for.

Opponents may also argue that gun control laws give too much power to the government and that this may make the government tyrannical. In their view, the government may end up taking away guns from all citizens. This argument is wrong first because the United States is a country founded on strong Constitutional provisions that clearly spell out the rights of citizens and indicate that the country is democratic (Kopel, 2013). There is thus no room for government tyranny, not even through gun control. Second, stricter gun laws would only make difficult the process of acquiring guns but not take away all guns from citizens.

The U.S. should enact and implement very strict gun ownership laws if it is to solve mass shooting problems and reduce gun-related crime. People cannot purport to be enjoying the provisions of the Second Amendment while continuing to butcher innocent citizens. The amendment should be reinterpreted so that it serves all citizens in the best manner possible if it is what is creating all this loss of life and lawlessness. The Constitution does not provide for the “right” of taking one’s own life or that of others. It is thus sad that this phenomenon is being perpetuated by gun ownership.

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Cornell Law School. (2017). “Second amendment”.  Cornell Law School . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from  https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/second_amendment

Insana, R. (2017). “The time for polite debate on gun control is over”.  CNBC . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from  https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/05/the-time-for-polite-debate-on-gun-control-is-over.html

Kopel, D. B. (2013).  The truth about gun control . New York, NY: Encounter Books.

Low, H. (2017). “How Japan has almost eradicated gun crime”.  BBC News . Retrieved July 4, 2020 from  http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38365729

Purcell, T. (2013).  Shotgun republic: the gun control debate . North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Street, C. (2016).  Gun control: guns in America, the full debate, more guns less problems? No guns no problems? . North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Swift, H. (2017). “Gunman’s girlfriend arrives in U.S. and is expected to be questioned”.  New York Times . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-live-updates.html

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What are Russia’s gun laws? The nation’s gun control rules, explained

The recent Moscow shooting, that left over 130 dead, questions how strict these laws are.

The recent mass shooting in Moscow on March 22 , which claimed the lives of over a hundred people and left others injured, has raised concerns throughout Russia and the international community. The incident has prompted questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s strict gun control laws, which are among the most stringent in the world.

Guns in Russia don’t have the same cultural backdrop as they do in, say, the United States. There’s no Second Amendment or wild frontier legacy shaping the conversation. In Russia, guns are seen more through the lens of necessity and sport, rather than as a symbol of individual liberty. That’s why you’ll find more emphasis on hunting rifles and sporting guns than on handguns and self-defense weapons.

Before the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, gun ownership in Tsarist Russia was relatively unrestricted, especially in rural areas where hunting was a common part of life. There were some regulations, but they weren’t as strict as what would become later. Under Stalin, the state tightened control over firearms as part of the broader consolidation of totalitarian governance. 

Private gun ownership became highly restricted, with the government maintaining rigorous regulations over who could possess firearms. The primary goal was to prevent opposition groups from arming themselves against the state. Fast forward to today, and the rules have loosened up a tad. The laws have evolved somewhat but continue to be restrictive.

Who can have a gun in Russia?

You’ve got to be at least 18 for a start, and that’s just for low-impact weapons like a hunting rifle or a shotgun. Those seeking something more serious, like a handgun? They’ll need to hit 21 first. Before you even think about holding that gun, you’ll go through background checks and often need to attend a gun safety course. The authorities will also check whether there is any criminal history or current criminal activity. 

On top of that, proving mental and physical health through medical examinations is mandatory. All firearms must be registered and you have to renew them for every weapon periodically. Also, a secure storage solution, such as a metal safe fixed to a wall, is a requirement for gun ownership. So, if you change locations you have to do all the paperwork for the gun safe at your new place.

If you’re a sports shooter and a member of a shooting club, you can potentially get a handgun. You’d have to be actively involved in shooting competitions and push through a lot of paperwork. And even after that, you’re not allowed to take the handgun home.

There’s one other way to get your hands on a handgun: You could be awarded one by the government as a reward for doing something extraordinary. This kind of awarded handgun is a special honor and it can’t be sold.

A No-Go for some firearms

Russia may seem tough on gun laws already, but there’s more. There are some guns you just can’t have as a civilian, like automatic firearms. Those are reserved for the military and some law enforcement. After five years of responsible ownership, you can purchase rifles. However, guns with barrels under 20 inches are off-limits. Also, burst-firing guns or those with magazines over ten rounds are a no-go.

Supporters of strict gun laws argue that these measures keep gun-related crimes relatively low compared to countries with looser regulations. However, critics might point out that this doesn’t necessarily solve all violent crimes – it just means that guns are less likely to be involved.

Russia’s gun laws are in the spotlight at a time when it is seeing mass shootings. The last one was in 2021 when the Kazan school shooting took place. Galyaviev was a former student of the school. He was armed with a semi-automatic shotgun that he had legally obtained. Now March 2024’s attack has again prompted Russian authorities to consider tightening gun laws for both the citizens and foreign nationals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to punish the culprits , stating that “whoever they are and whoever ordered them” won’t matter. Interestingly, the United States intel had previously warned Russia that such an incident was likely to happen very soon. Meanwhile, ISIS is claiming to have had a hand in it . Russian authorities have allegedly arrested a few suspects in connection with the incident, but the full extent of their involvement and the veracity of ISIS’s claim remains unclear.

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Guest Essay

The Supreme Court Steps Back From the Edge

By Linda Greenhouse

Ms. Greenhouse, the recipient of a 1998 Pulitzer Prize, reported on the Supreme Court for The Times from 1978 to 2008 and was a contributing Opinion writer from 2009 to 2021.

The nine members of the Supreme Court peered over a precipice. A disagreeable choice loomed before them.

They could apply their two-year-old gun-rights precedent, as a lower court had, and declare unconstitutional a federal law aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of individuals under court-issued restraining orders for domestic violence. If they endorsed such an extreme outcome, they knew, they would be taking down not only a 30-year-old law but also perhaps even the court itself, already at a near low in public esteem. Or they could step back from the edge, relaxing their embrace of the Second Amendment just enough to issue a judicially worded “never mind.”

Eight justices decided not to make the leap — all but Justice Clarence Thomas, clinging tightly to the precedent on which five of the others had joined him only two years earlier as he went over the edge. He was left alone on the bottom to complain forlornly that the court had failed to “point to a single historical law revoking a citizen’s Second Amendment right based on possible interpersonal violence.”

Of course, I’m taking a few liberties here; I can’t know whether any of the justices understood their dilemma in quite this way. But it’s impossible to see the outcome in United States v. Rahimi as anything other than an exercise in institutional self-preservation. It certainly wasn’t an exercise in judicial coherence. While Chief Justice John Roberts’s majority opinion garnered eight votes, five members of his majority felt impelled to express their own contrasting if not exactly conflicting views in separate opinions.

Clearly, the chief justice’s succinct 18-page opinion didn’t fully satisfy everyone who signed on. Often in such cases, a justice who agrees with the opinion writer’s bottom line but who has a substantially different view of how to get there won’t sign the main opinion but will write a separate opinion “concurring in the judgment.” With enough of those, the majority opinion no longer speaks for a majority of the court. That didn’t happen this time, I think because all eight recognized a transcendent need for the court to tell the world, in a voice at least nominally unified, that “when we transformed the law of the Second Amendment in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen two years ago, we didn’t intend for it to lead to this. ”

The Rahimi case was argued on Nov. 7, 2023, making it the oldest undecided case of the term by the time the court handed down the decision on Friday. What was going on during those eight-plus months? We can only assume that the final product took a lot of work, both individual and collective. It’s a good guess that not all the conservative justices were quick to sign onto the chief justice’s opinion, at least not until they could have their say.

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Washington Monthly

The Supreme Court Keeps Misfiring on Guns

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In an 8-1 decision last week, the Supreme Court followed the logic of our historians’ amicus brief to come to what should have been an obvious decision. The justices prohibited a domestic abuser who had already shot at his girlfriend—and the mother of his child—from possessing a gun after a judge had imposed a domestic restraining order on him . In so doing, they upheld a federal law that the Fifth Circuit had invalidated using the Court’s logic in its 2022 precedent-destroying decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which struck down a century-old Empire State statute limiting guns in public .

This is a step forward, but only a tiny step. Via Bruen , the Court created a crisis for state legislatures and attorneys general by ruling that all gun regulations have to be rationalized through gun regulations in the Founding Era. In Justice Clarence Thomas’s words, writing for the majority in Bruen , current firearms laws must adhere to the “history and traditions” of the founding, even though ours is a different era. (Among other things, guns are far more powerful, accurate, and deadly.) By that standard, every gun regulation must involve historians whose research and analysis must be evaluated by the Court. While U.S. v. Rahimi vindicates historians, it also underscores the limitations of the “history-and-tradition” rule that Bruen created.

Some background: The conservative Fifth Circuit issued a ruling invalidating 18 U. S. C. §922(g)(8), a federal statute that prohibited people under restraining orders for domestic violence from carrying guns. It construed Bruen to mean that all restrictions on gun ownership had to have an exact “twin” in the past. The past, moreover, was not just any moment in the past. It had to be the narrow window during and after the Constitution’s ratification in 1791. The Fifth Circuit was unconvinced that Founding Era laws were echoed in the federal statute. As such, it was unconstitutional. No law could keep Zackey Rahimi from a gun.

The Bruen rule that any curtailment of firearms must “demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation” has obvious limitations. You do not have to be a historian to see the 1790s are not the 2020s. However, the application of Bruen ’s narrow history-and-traditions framework by federal courts has narrowed the options still further. Following Bruen , many appellate and trial courts defined history and traditions regarding legislation , namely colonial and state statutes. Yes, defined in those terms, history and tradition did not support regulation because no legislation from the Founding Era specifically addressed gun ownership. The Rahimi case raised the bar higher still since it involved domestic violence statutes, about which Founding Era statutes were also silent. A view from the 18 th -century statutes alone suggests a lawless era: Do what you want with your gun or your wife because no statutes prohibited such behavior.

This pinched view misconstrues the nation’s legal history and traditions, particularly at the founding moment. Last summer, a group of historians, including us, began working on an amicus brief in Rahimi . Given our scholarship, we knew that the legal principles and practices of the Founding Era were about much more than statutes and appellate opinions.

Violence of all kinds—including gun and domestic violence—was regulated through widely followed principles in common law that allowed people to make complaints about threats of violence to local officials, who followed longstanding procedures to maintain “the peace,” which included the safety of all community members. Offenders were required to post a peace bond, also called a surety. While similar to a modern restraining order, peace bonds included close community surveillance. Sureties—those who posted bond—were charged with ensuring the offender did not break the peace again. If sureties failed in their duties, they lost their part of the bond, which could mean selling productive property, such as land and tools. If offenders could not find anyone to post bond, they were jailed. They were also jailed if they broke the peace while under a bond. Even wives who felt threatened by their husbands could initiate this process. The constraints of coverture, which prohibited married women from prosecuting legal actions in their own names, did not apply because these were offenses against the peace of the community.

As our brief outlined, the regulation of violence—including gun violence and domestic violence—is part of the history and traditions of this nation. It just did not appear in statutes. There was no need because those laws were found elsewhere, in treatises, manuals for local officials, and through practices understood as legally enforceable and did not necessarily take written form. States did expand their reach over all kinds of issues, including gun and domestic violence, later in the 19 th century. But the laws they enacted were not a departure from the history and traditions of the Founding Era. In fact, many of the initial statutes on firearms and domestic violence merely codified longstanding practices.

By acknowledging this part of the nation’s legal past in Rahimi , the Court allowed for gun regulations for those under restraining orders for domestic violence. But it retained the myopic history-and-traditions test, which requires historical research to justify every gun regulation. The Court kept the power it gave itself, through Bruen , to make law on regulating violence, even though those issues once belonged to people and their representatives. Invoking “history-and-traditions” and giving itself the authority to determine what those are, the Court can pick and choose among firearms regulations.

As a result, attorneys general across the country are having to find Founding Era laws to justify their states’ firearms regulations relating to situations and places—such as playgrounds or football stadiums—that did not exist in the 1790s, never knowing if the laws they dig up will pass muster with the Court. Bruen ’s unclear legal standard led to confusing results. Searching through a past without clear answers, judges have suspended existing laws and rendered a hodgepodge of decisions. As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson notes in her concurrence: “The message the lower courts are sending now in Second Amendment cases could not be clearer. They say there is little method to Bruen ’s madness.”

There is general wisdom to be found in the past, to be sure, but when it comes to guns, the 1790s are not always the best place to look for specific policy recommendations. With Rahimi, the judges still ignore the history and tradition of the nation’s regulation of violence: the primacy given to legislatures and the democratic process to respond to public safety issues. Except in extraordinary situations, the people and their representatives should identify and handle violence that threatens public order, not the Court. The most important history and tradition that both Bruen and Rahimi upend is judicial humility and restraint.

Holly Brewer is Burke Professor of American History at the University of Maryland and author of By Birth or Consent: Children, Law, and the Anglo-American Revolution in Authority  (2005). Laura F. Edwards is the Class of 1921 Bicentennial Professor in the History of American Law and Liberty in the History Department at Princeton University. Her scholarship focuses on legal practice in the 19th-century United States.

Holly Brewer and Laura F. Edwards

Holly Brewer is Burke Professor of American History at the University of Maryland and author of By Birth or Consent: Children, Law, and the Anglo-American Revolution in Authority . Laura F. Edwards is the Class of 1921 Bicentennial Professor in the History of American Law and Liberty in the History Department at Princeton University. Her scholarship focuses on legal practice in the 19th-century United States.

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Gun culture in Russia: How does it compare to the U.S.?

To get a clear understanding of the current situation, we spoke with Rafail Ruditsky, head of the Civilian Weapons Union in Moscow. “Most Russians do not support the free trade of arms - neither do I - believing  there should be tight control over firearm sales.” Substantiating on this and when asked about the United States, he adds, “The American model does not sufficiently limit access to arms in the case of psychologically unstable people and drug addicts.” Add to this  the fact that there has never been a strong demand for widespread civilian gun ownership in the country, and it becomes apparent that changing or reversing these laws is not a major point of contention in Russian politics.

A right to self-defense

Self-defense is an important aspect of Russian law, and the constitution guarantees the right to defend one’s property. Maxim Popenker, a firearms historian and editor-in-chief at world.guns.ru summarizes this by stating, “A constitutional right is to defend one’s life. And, according to the law, one can defend it with any means at his or her disposal, including different weapons.”

In order to be eligible to purchase a firearm, one must be over the age of 18 and pass extensive background checks; those who suffer from mental illness or have a history of substance abuse are disqualified. Background checks are particularly stringent in regard to the mental health of a buyer, and the Federal Assembly is even considering a law that would punish doctors who misdiagnose or provide inaccurate documentation for mentally ill patients attempting to purchase firearms .

Currently in Russia, some organizations demand the legalization of short-barreled weapons

The type of gun, its intended purpose and caliber are all kept on record, with magazine capacity is capped at no more than 10 rounds. The barrel length of the weapon has been a recurring issue in the country and, according to Ruditsky, “Currently in Russia, some organizations demand the legalization of short-barreled weapons.”

Illicit weapons in Russia today

In regard to firearms, Ruditsky tells us, “Some time ago the Ministry of Internal Affairs estimated it as being from five to 25 million pieces.” While Russia has seen a dramatic decline in terrorist activity since the 1990s, gun crime has risen steadily, peaking in 2015, with 5400 incidents. In contrast, by the turn of April 2017 there were an estimated 4.5 million Russians in legal possession of approximately 7.3 million weapons. While this may seem high, it only encompasses roughly 3 percent of the population with the vast remainder unarmed.

It remains fairly difficult to properly assess what weapons flow through Russia’s black market and, in the words of Popenker, “The number of legal firearm owners actually dropped recently after the authorities had toughened the rules on the possession of so-called self-defense weapons.” As the government continues to push back against illegal weapons trade, it can be expected that this number of gun-related crimes will gradually begin  a sharp decline.

Across the Atlantic

Standing opposite of Russia, the United States celebrates loose gun laws, and the right to own a weapon is protected tooth and nail by the Second Amendment of the Constitution. While some states require a license to obtain a firearm, most Americans are able to purchase one with little more than a background check and wait period. Moreover, some states require that all prospective gun owners register the weapon with local law enforcement. More dangerous firearms, namely fully-automatic ones, come with heavy restrictions tin all cases; weapons under this category are collectively known as title II weapons, and include short-barreled shotguns and rifles, machine-guns and fully automatic weapons .

Standing opposite of Russia, the United States celebrates loose gun laws

Despite their heavy restrictions, automatic weapons have still been used in a number of shooting attacks in the states, most often by the illegal conversion of semi-automatic rifles, such as the case with the 2015 San Bernardino attack. The bump stock —a device used to transfer a weapon’s recoil into an additional shot—has been the subject of heavy debate in the U.S. following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, as it allows a semi-automatic weapon to function as if it were automatic.

Silencers are also available in the U.S. and are legal in 42 states, with only a handful of restrictions in two. While owning a silencer in Russia is not illegal in itself, using one outside of law enforcement is, and both the gun’s owner and vendor will be prosecuted for its use. Concealed weapons can also be carried in all states and some even allow open carrying (implying that the weapon in the owner’s vehicle or on their body does not need to be hidden from the public). In some cities such as Kennesaw, Georgia, it’s illegal not to own a gun, effectively turning the small town’s own residence into their own paramilitary law enforcement. The United States’s love for guns may seem reminiscent of firearm laws in the days before the Revolution.

The future of gun ownership in Russia

When asked about what may lie ahead for gun ownership in Russia, not even Popenker is able to make a confident inference: ”The attitude of Russians is distorted by the very question – whether you support the free sale of firearms. This approach scares people off. In any case, there cannot be a ‘free sale’. There should be some checks anyway. In general, most people are either indifferent to the issue or not sufficiently informed.”

It remains difficult to talk about whether gun culture will survive in Russia like it has in the United States. In fact, many Russians grew up in a time when owning a weapon was unthinkable due to the restrictions and punishment involved. But as time ushers in a new generation of citizens, the future is highly uncertain. “It is also hard to say whether people’s attitudes to the topic are changing. Due to the toughening of procedures, some people declined owning a firearm. At the same time, there is growing interest in shooting sport, and the collecting of weapons and everything related to them. So, there is a variety of trends.”

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The Supreme Court Walks Back Clarence Thomas’ Guns Extremism

This is part of  Opinionpalooza , Slate’s coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. Alongside  Amicus , we kicked things off this year by explaining  How Originalism Ate the Law . The best way to support our work is by joining  Slate Plus . (If you are already a member, consider a  donation  or  merch !)

The Supreme Court upheld a federal law disarming domestic abusers on Friday, significantly narrowing a radical 2022 precedent in the process. Its 8–1 ruling in U.S. v. Rahimi is a major victory for gun safety laws, a much-needed reprieve after two years of unceasing hostility from the federal judiciary. Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion walked back maximalist rhetoric—recklessly injected into the law by Justice Clarence Thomas—that had imperiled virtually every modern regulation limiting access to firearms. Thomas was the lone dissenter, signifying the rest of the court’s mad dash away from his extremist position on the Second Amendment.

Rahimi involves a violent criminal, Zackey Rahimi, who beat his girlfriend, then fired shots at either her or a witness as she fled his abuse. His girlfriend subsequently obtained a restraining order from a state court that found that he posed “a credible threat” to her “physical safety.” Rahimi, however, continued harassing her, threatened a different woman with a firearm, and was identified as the suspect in at least five additional shootings. When the police searched his apartment, they found a pistol, a rifle, ammunition, and a copy of the restraining order.

Rahimi was indicted under a federal law that bars individuals from possessing firearms while subject to a restraining order for domestic violence. He argued that this statute violated his Second Amendment rights, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5 th Circuit agreed . The court rested its analysis on New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen , the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision establishing a constitutional right to carry firearms in public. Thomas’ opinion in Bruen , though, went much further than that specific holding, declaring that all restrictions on the right to bear arms are presumptively unconstitutional unless they have a sufficient set of “historical analogues” from the distant past. (He didn’t bother to clarify the precise era, but it seemed to be sometime between 1791 and 1868.)

That approach posed two fundamental problems, which the lower courts quickly encountered when trying to apply Bruen : First, judges are not historians and cannot parse the complex, often incomplete record in this area with any consistency or reliability; and second, modern problems require modern solutions , especially when past bigotry prevented lawmakers from perceiving those problems in the first place. Rahimi is Exhibit A: Men were generally permitted to abuse their wives in the 18 th and 19 th centuries, with courts hesitant to interfere with what they deemed a private “familial affair.” Countless other examples have arisen in the lower courts since Bruen , with judges creating new rights to scratch the serial number off guns and own firearms while using illegal substances .

Roberts attempted to put a stop to this chaos on Friday. His Rahimi opinion cut back Bruen at every turn. “Some courts,” the chief justice wrote, “have misunderstood the methodology of our recent Second Amendment cases. These precedents were not meant to suggest a law trapped in amber.” Rather than hunt for perfect historical analogs, courts should ask “whether the challenged regulation is consistent with the principles that underpin our regulatory tradition.” If old laws regulated guns to “address particular problems, that will be a strong indicator that contemporary laws imposing similar restrictions for similar reasons fall within a permissible category of regulations.” Today’s regulations should generally avoid imposing restrictions “beyond what was done at the founding,” but the modern law need not “precisely match its historical precursors.” Roberts’ test significantly broadens (or perhaps loosens) the constitutional inquiry beyond what Bruen allowed. It instructs courts to look at principles , at a fairly high level of generality, rather than demanding a near-perfect match from centuries past.

The difference between Rahimi and Bruen is perfectly captured by Roberts’ majority opinion and the lone dissent written by Bruen ’s own author, Thomas. The chief justice asserted, “The government offers ample evidence that the Second Amendment permits the disarmament of individuals who pose a credible threat to the physical safety of others.” He breezily walked through a smattering of history allowing for the seizure of arms to preserve “public order.” For proof, Roberts cited surety laws, legislation that required an individual “suspected of future misbehavior” to post a bond, which he would forfeit if he engaged in misconduct. Domestic abusers could, in theory, be subject to the surety system, as could individuals who misused firearms—and that was good enough for Roberts. To him, this evidence established a historical practice of “preventing individuals who threaten physical harm to others from misusing firearms.” And disarming abusers “fits comfortably within this tradition.”

To Thomas, by contrast, surety laws “are worlds—not degrees—apart” from the law in question, because they were civil (not criminal) measures that did not actually disarm people but merely threatened them with a fine. These laws “did not alter an individual’s right to keep and bear arms,” Thomas protested, and they therefore failed to establish a relevant “history and tradition.” Indeed, “the government does not identify even a single regulation with an analogous burden and justification,” he complained in dissent. In 1791 a man like Zackey Rahimi could be disarmed only after a conviction for a violent crime. And so, Thomas wrote, that must remain the rule today.

Bruen was a 6–3 decision. Yet every justice who joined Thomas’ opinion in Bruen in 2022 signed on to Roberts’ walk back of Bruen on Friday. What happened? Aside from Justice Samuel Alito, every remaining member of the court expressed their views by writing or joining separate concurrences in Rahimi . Justice Brett Kavanaugh tried to defend his beloved “history and tradition” test, as opposed to “a balancing test that churns out the judge’s own policy beliefs,” while creating more room for “precedent” (or “the accumulated wisdom of jurists”). Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote that Bruen “demands a wider lens” than the 5 th Circuit deployed, explaining that “historical regulations reveal a principle, not a mold,” and do not forever lock us into “late-18 th -century policy choices.” Justice Neil Gorsuch tried to split the difference, marshaling a defense of Bruen while subtly reworking it to limit sweeping legal attacks on gun regulations.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Elena Kagan, celebrated the majority’s focus on “principles” instead of perfect analogs. “History has a role to play in Second Amendment analysis,” she wrote, “but a rigid adherence to history, (particularly history predating the inclusion of women and people of color as full members of the polity), impoverishes constitutional interpretation and hamstrings our democracy.” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who joined the court soon after Bruen came down, warned that Rahimi will not end the “increasingly erratic and unprincipled body of law” that Bruen inspired. “The blame” for the lower courts’ struggles “may lie with us,” she noted, “not with them.” All three liberals sound ready and willing to overturn Bruen altogether if they get the chance—but will, for now, settle for Rahimi ’s compromise.

What next? The Supreme Court will have to vacate a spate of lower court decisions that used Bruen to strike down seemingly sensible gun safety laws, ordering a do-over in light of Rahimi . Some courts will gladly accept the message. Others, like the lawless 5 th Circuit , will probably interpret Thomas’ dissent on Friday as the law and refuse to change their tune. Such defiance will test the majority’s commitment to a more workable and balanced Second Amendment jurisprudence—and likely fracture the court once more. By replacing Thomas’ hard-line views with a more malleable standard, SCOTUS has ended one battle over guns. But by remaining in this area, where it has no right to be in the first place, the court has invited a thousand more.

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