Ten ways to reduce gun violence
On June 28, 2010, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that citizens everywhere have the right to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense. The basis for the decision was that under the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, states, cities and other localities cannot limit the “rights” to bear arms that were granted to D.C. residents by the Supreme Court two years ago.
Members of the National Rifle Association and other gun protection groups immediately hailed the court’s decision as a rehabilitation of their “rights” under the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution. However, their enthusiasm may be premature. That’s why:
1. The Supreme Court stated that local governments can still adopt “reasonable” regulations that relate to the possession, storage, transportation and use of firearms.
2. Individuals and advocacy groups seeking to reduce the level of gun violence in society can still lobby for the following ten restrictions on firearms:
~ General ban on all types of combat weapons.
~ No firearms for non-citizens or citizens under 21.
~ Mandatory gun registration (like automatic tags).
~ Individual gun permits (such as driver’s licenses).
~ Mandatory safety training.
~ Close the “doorway” of the gun show.
~ Compulsory civil liability insurance for persons with weapons.
~ No brandishing weapons in public.
~ Gun storage cabinets if there are small children in the home.
~ “Absolute Responsibility” on the part of gun owners.
All these restrictions will pass constitutional review and the NRA cannot do anything about it. The single restriction that will have the greatest effect on reducing gun violence will be absolute liability. This means that the owner of the gun will be liable for monetary damages if ANYONE is injured by the firearm. For example, if a teenager was playing with his father’s gun and accidentally shot a friend, the father would be liable in civil court. He cannot escape responsibility by saying that his teenager took the gun without permission.
#Ten #ways #reduce #gun #violence