Gun Control Laws - Annotated Bibliography Example

Gun Laws Gun Laws Doeden, M. . Gun Control (1st ed Minneapolis: Twenty-First Century Books. This book has mainly been written from a neutral point of view, advancing a general discussion of gun control laws and their implications in the real world. Doeden (2012) started with the case of Arizona shooting in 2011 where the US Representative, Gabrielle Giffords was seriously wounded and many others from the crowd were killed. This incident did not only reflect a case of criminal blind shooting but also opens up the discussion to one of the most serious debates regarding gun control. Doeden (2012) analyzes the debate by making a reasonable analysis on the matter through the help of statistics. There are various statistics given in the book which help in comparing the severity of gun control in the United States with other states. For example, the United States tops the list of countries with high gun ownership rates. This suggests an undeniable fact that the average American household does in fact own guns more than any other state. There is a disagreement between proponents and opponents of gun control laws. Like any other arguable subject, the gun control dilemma presents itself as a slippery subject. But the author proceeds with his stance by providing an analysis of different perspectives of gun control such as gun culture, safety, gun ownership, measures of control, and uncertainty. Doeden (2012) has included data from different sources to back up his writing and has included arguments from both sides to offer both perspectives for forwarding the argument. The use of sources and statistical data is an elementary feature of the book where the author has delved deeper into the argument by presenting facts and both sides of the argument. So, the author has mainly attempted to offer a comprehensive analysis of the guns control dilemma rather than providing a definite conclusion. Lott, J. (2010). More Guns, Less Crime (1st ed.). Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. In this book, the author explains the scenario of gun culture in the United States and how gun control laws apply given the current situation where an increasingly large number of households own guns. The relationship between crimes and gun ownership is one which has presented a moral dilemma where the well being of the society is at stake. The television often displays news of crimes and gun usage; innocent victims being shot, gangsters killing each other and what not. Lott (2010) takes a very different approach from the stereotypical sensationalism of guns and its portrayal by the media. Lott (2010) argues that, in reality, very few Americans have actually witnessed crimes using guns. Rather it is the representation of guns in the media which scares people away who begin to see them as a necessarily villainous object. This perception among the general population has generated sentiments of fear and loathing for guns which is normally associated with crimes. The same attitude is prevalent among law enforcement authorities who have, over the years, regulated gun ownership and usage by implementing various checks and balances, including gun control laws. These laws restrict the ownership and usage of guns by introducing usage licenses which are necessary for owning a gun. Also, other legal derivatives have been put in place and hence, proper documentation is required in order to own a gun. Such controls significantly limit the number of people willing to go through the hectic procedure of legally obtaining a gun. Yet American households are increasingly rising on the scale of gun ownership. The main thesis of Lott’s (2010) book is that guns are useful for self defense as opposed to how they are shown as an instrument for violent crimes. Therefore, more guns could actually help reduce crime. Magoon, K. (2008). Gun Control (1st ed.). Minnesota: ABDO Publishing Company. Magoon (2008) has also offered a comprehensive description of the gun control issue although the author has not quotes as many direct sources or statistical data. The author has also presented both sides of the gun control argument without picking a side. However, the distinguishing factor about the book is that it has also touched upon the topic of changing attitude towards guns in the American society which is an important factor in determining the present situation of the argument. Magoon (2008) has dedicated an entire chapter discussing the history of gun control in the US history and what measures have been taken throughout history that relate to the gun control. In particular, Magoon has explained the evolution of gun control laws as they have transformed to include new developments and regulations. Time has indeed changed from the past to present and so have the security requirements which have grown stricter by the day, although there are a few exceptions. The public attitude towards gun control has seen a rise in gun advocacy, especially as they oppose gun control laws by advancing the argument that guns are used for self defense and one’s personal safety. Also, the fact that guns do not take lives but it is the people who kill other people, disregarding the threats inherent in guns. The book also discusses the legal aspect of gun control laws and traces the developments that have been made in the matter. Key legislations have been considered and Magoon explains how the changes were influenced and the factors that contributed towards such a change or development. The book is an important resource for studying the topic of gun control, which is why it has been chosen. Spitzer, R. (2009). Gun Control (1st ed.). Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. The book Gun Control takes a deeper look into the gun control dilemma by addressing several cases that have gone to court due to the matter. The cases given by Spitzer have been carefully selected due to the queer nature of the case reflecting how laws regarding gun usage can sometimes create issues of moral dilemma. In the book, the author has included some select court rulings regarding different cases of gun control laws, regulations, and rights. This gives an idea of how, over the years, gun laws have experienced curious cases where the decision to be taken becomes a challenge for the judges. In several of the cases included in the book, amendments in the laws are considered. A distinguishing factor of this book is that the author has presented the legal aspect of gun control laws by carefully choosing different cases that are important in addressing the gun control dilemma as they ask for serious rethinking of the gun control laws. Also, another factor of the book is that Spitzer (2009) has used actual legal documents to explain the various cases. This instantly reminds the reader of the credibility of the author and the presented cases as they have been obtained from reliable sources that are relevant in understanding the American gun control dilemma. The reason for choosing this book also largely comes from the fact that the legal perspective on gun control is a leading player in the issue. The whole argument is based on the legalities surrounding laws and regulations relating to gun control. Hence, this book provides various documents that provide an understanding of how law has worked on different cases. Wilson, H. (2007). Guns, Gun Control, and Elections (1st ed.). Lanham, MD.: Rowman & Littlefield. Another great resource is the book by Wilson where the author has focused on the political aspects of the gun control debate. The author mentions that picking a side in the argument is difficult for him although he does support a “reasonable” level of regulations. Wilson does accept that the definition of “reasonable” varies from person to person and is specific to any other person. In the book, Wilson (2007) explains the aspects of the argument as they affect policy making, but more importantly the author offers public opinion on the matter of gun control. The book also describes the role played by media in representing guns and gun laws in a particular way. So, the book provides important information regarding people, politics, and gun control laws. More importantly, the book describes the possible future of gun control laws with the growing public concern over the matter and more and more people forming an opinion either for or against the topic. The book presents a well research analysis of the current environment and the interest which has been sparked among the citizens to address the issue in terms of political policing. The author has also provided with useful statistics that help the readers to understand the problem more deeply. Wilson (2007) has also explained how public activism over the matter is increasing as such special interest groups advocate their opinion on the matter thereby putting pressure on the political systems and legal institutions. In a democratic society, such actions are of vital importance as they influence politics and future stance on legal policies. Decision making can greatly be affected by such actions due to lobbying. Therefore, the book allows the reader to understand the intensity of the issue and its current position among the public. Read More