Since Colonial and Revolutionary America, laws concerning the ownership and bearing of firearms have sparked arguments throughout the country. Gun control has been around for centuries, limiting the possession of guns and highlighting the issues that come along with them. But some citizens would disagree, saying that enforcing more Gun control laws is unnecessary. Although gun control laws reduce the number of gun-related deaths, people argue that gun-control laws are not necessary because of the Second U.S Amendment, the education of firearms, and gun owners discouraging crime.

The Second U.S Amendment states that “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.” Those against gun control laws argue that this amendment protects their rights to possess their own guns outside of military use, and instead use it for self-defense purposes. Not only do they believe that the have the right to bear arms, but also that bearing arms is a fundamental right as is that of freedom of speech, religion, and press.

“The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home,” Justice Antonin Scalia in the June 26, 2008, District of Columbia et al. v. Heller US Supreme Court, said.

A strong belief among many states that “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”  With the restriction of gun ownership, criminals are bound to feel less threatened and lash out. Criminals are more likely to fear those who own guns and keep them in their homes, than the regulations banning guns. If a criminal knows people are not allowed to keep guns within their homes, what will stop them from attacking?

“States with the largest increases in gun ownership also have the largest drops in violent crimes,” John R. Lott said. “When states passed these laws, the number of multiple-victim shootings declined by 84 percent. Deaths from these shootings plummeted on average by 90 percent and injuries by 82 percent.”

With the fear of the criminal rate going up, some insist that not being able to buy a legal gun will begin a black market for guns and other weapons.

“Gun control laws have arguably caused gun violence incidents to reduce around the world, but alternative weapons are still used to commit crime. Knife attacks, vehicle attacks, and homemade explosives can do just as much damage as a gun can, and in some instances more damage, when put into the right hands,” Vittana author, Louise Gaille said.

Gun owners agree that both children, and adults, should be educated on gun use. They believe that people need to be educated on guns by properly showing people how to use a gun and for what occasions, as well as having them take a mental illness screening to prevent massacres. Studies show that children who are educated about guns don’t see them as a symbol of violence rather freedom, security, and recreation.

With gun ownership, many believe, comes the feeling of safety and independence. By placing more gun control laws our country will only face more violence and out-lash, anti-gun control members say.