Americans possess more than 200 million firearms. Each year about 640,000
violent crimes, including 16,000 murders are committed with guns, mostly
handguns. The number of gun homicides among juveniles is particularly alarming.
Some people believe gun control laws, which restrict gun ownership, can reduce
the bloodshed. These laws range from gun registration, to bans on certain types
of ammunition, to complete bans on handguns and military-assault weapons.
Millions of Americans believe, however, that gun ownership is a right and that
guns serve a legitimate purpose in society. They argue that guns are not the
problem. Rather than penalizing law-abiding gun owners, they favor punishing
more harshly those who use guns to commit crimes.
This unit addresses issues of gun control. It provides information about guns
in the United States. It looks at propaganda generated by both pro- and
anti-control advocates. It examines proposed legislation on trigger locks and a
proposed lawsuit against gun manufacturers. This unit also introduces a model
for deliberating this policy question, called "philosophical chairs," for
talking about this and other controversial issues.
Focus Questions
Should legislation be passed that would require trigger-locks on all guns kept
in houses that are shared with children?
Should the City of Chicago sue the gun industry for costs related to gun
violence?
Objectives
Assess current public policy and decide what Congress should do with proposed
legislation.
Review statistics on gun violence and learn arguments for and against gun
control.
Formulate, modify and articulate opinions on a policy by discussing it with
their peers.
Materials
A. Reading: The Gun Debate
B. Activity: Assessing Opposing Arguments on Gun Control
C. Tool: Does it Make Sense? Recognizing Propaganda
D1. Handout: Firearms and Teddy Bears: A Contrast in Regulation
D2. Handout: Fables, Myths and Other Tall Tales
E. Policy: Discussing Proposed Trigger-lock Legislation
F. Deliberation Strategy: Philosophical Chairs
G. Handout: Proposed Trigger Lock Legislation: Pros, Cons & Questions
H. Holding Gun Makers Accountable: The City of Chicago Brings Suit
I. Reading: Summary of Complaint, City of Chicago (1998)
J. Holding Gun Makers Accountable: Pros, Cons & Questions
K. Gun Control: Suggested Service Projects
Gun Control: Selected Internet Resources
Last updated: September 15, 2006
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