Molly – The Second Amendment

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The Bill of Rights was created following the American Revolution and the creation of the Constitution. The Second Amendment was crucial because the Founding Fathers wanted to legally give Americans the right to protect themselves and their security through the use of firearms and weapons. The amendment is responding to the desire for protection amongst the American people against unlawful violence. Most people understand the Second Amendment as being the individual right to bear arms. There is some divergence between who this right belongs to as some believe it is the right of the people while others believe it is the right of militia organizations. 

 

As for matters of debate about the Second Amendment, some believe that there is room for flexibility due to the evolution of weaponry. These legal scholars believe that, as the world evolves, gun control is increasingly necessary to provide order in society. Scholars that believe there should be regulations make the point that gun control isn’t exactly a new concept because, during the Founding Era, there were laws that regulated weaponry.  These laws banned untrustworthy people from possessing guns and required people to have guns that were appropriate for military service. Ultimately, the Second Amendment is about ensuring public safety. Others, however, believe that this amendment should be followed rigidly. They maintain the belief that the right to bear arms shouldn’t be restricted. The Second Amendment is like the First Amendment in that it is an inalienable right that everyone has. Gun control laws, while they aim to save lives and prevent crime, ultimately infringe on the individual freedom that all American citizens have. District of Columbia v. Heller demonstrates is just one example of the issues that come about with this debate. This case is illustrative because it shows how gun control may be violating the Second Amendment. Heller, a D.C. special police officer, was allowed to have a firearm when on duty but he wasn’t allowed to get a license for a handgun to keep at home. He argues that needing a license for a personal firearm infringes on his Second Amendment rights as an American citizen. 

 

This provision connects to the theme of individual rights that come up very often during the course of history. I think the most persuasive matter of debate is the argument that advocates for gun control because of the danger that is posed to so many people without gun control. With the increase of gun violence in America, better gun control laws are incredibly necessary and strictly abiding by the Constitution as time and technology evolve just isn’t viable.  This amendment is already such a major topic of discourse in America, especially today with the rise of gun violence. I would say to advocate for your beliefs on this amendment, go to protests and, most importantly, educate yourself on the topic. I would suggest this adaptation because it is incredibly important to form your own opinion based on unbiased information and to support it.

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