Included in the first 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 and proposed by James Madison, this amendment protects the right of the individual to own and possess guns. This was based from and influenced by the English Bill of Rights of 1869 and remains to be a highly debatable topic, with both supporters and critics having logical points to make. Let us enumerate the two sides of the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.
List of Advantages of the Second Amendment
1. Safety and Protection.
For people in favor of gun ownership, one of the logical reasons they give for supporting the Second Amendment, is the assurance that people with guns will feel secure and safe in their homes and not afraid of home invasion as opposed to not having a weapon to protect their loved ones if intruders enter their properties.
2. Criminal Deterrent.
Another advantage of people with weapons like guns to protect themselves is being able to ward off potential criminals from committing crimes to people in public places. Studies show that a larger percentage of criminals do not continue their planned attacks on citizens or if during a crime situation, these offenders are most likely to back off once the victim draws out a gun.
List of Disadvantages of the Second Amendment
1. Risks.
One of the flaws being thrown out at the right to own guns is the danger of the gun getting in the hands of bad people or those who have violent tendencies and even mental conditions. There have been instances of school shootings and there have been suspects who were teenagers who commit these crimes using guns. Also, if a gun owner is careless and leaves his gun in a place accessible to kids, accidents can happen. The child might think the firearm is a toy and accidentally clicks the trigger. Gun ownership entails a lot of risks. When it comes to people who do not have the right training and yet are gun owners, critics have also expressed their concern that this can lead to accidental shootings. There are also stories about gun ownership being connected to suicide.
2. Crime Rate Increase.
If more people will be allowed to bear arms and protect themselves, there is also the possibility that the more weapons are available and accessible, the more crimes there will be. This is because some people who wanted to commit crimes but were having second thoughts might get motivated to carry out their plans. Some experts have also expressed concerns on incidences of rape and other crimes.
The Second Amendment, although it was to protect the right of individuals to have guns, still has flaws. It should be reviewed to see what provisions need to be changed. As for the issue on whether it is a good idea or not, perhaps, it depends on the person who has ownership.