Guide Note

Gun Control is the act of regulating the sale and use of firearms. There has been much controversy over gun control, with argument over what extent the 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights allows the control and licensing of firearms.

Fast Facts

1. 1934: National Firearms Act
2. 1968: Gun Control Act
3. 1986: Firearm Owners Protection Act
4. 1993: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

The Second Amendment says, "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."

Advocates of stricter gun control measures usually look at the first part of the second amendment and argue that the gun control for individuals does not effect the militia or military. Pro-gun groups such as the National Rifle Association counter that the second part of the amendment is most important, and that every individual has the right to bear arms.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently took the case District of Colubmia vs. Heller which was a challenge to the Washington, D.C. handgun ban and will decide if the gun ban violates the 2nd Amendment.