Amendment+2W7

=2W7= =The Second Amendment=

**The second amendment allows state and town militias to arm themselves in order for protection and in case of an emergency.**


The second amendment states that Militias can equip themselves with guns if an emergency comes up and they are needed. **(LD)** http://www.debate.org/opinions/does-the-second-amendment-still-apply-today
 * Are there any parts of the second amendment amendment that no longer apply?**

Yes, the second amendment is a inalienable right. It is an individual right given to all citizens allowing them to protect themselves when needed. **(LD)** http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/01/self-defense-an-inalienable-right-that-the-second-amendment-guarantees-not-grants/
 * Is the second amendment an inalienable right?**

From what I have seen, the second amendment does not apply to explosives because if a Militia is needed, they need to have their own guns but the armed forces with provide them with explosives if it is necessary. Regular citizens should not be trusted with explosives unless they are working for the government. **(LD)** http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?399148-second-amendment-and-explosives
 * Does the second amendment apply to explosives?**



Some people think yes and others think no, however the answer yes is more commonly found. The second amendment should be discontinued because with todays government Militias are no longer needed. A Militia was a group of people formed in a town to serve for the military if an emergency were to come up, most Militias did not own guns but this law was passed allowing them to arm themselves. Today, Militias are no longer needed but this law still allows citizens to be armed. Although people need permits to own guns now-a-days, someone who is mentally ill or not safe can still easily have access to a gun __//after//__ getting a permit. **(LD)** http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/12/19/does-the-second-amendment-only-apply-to-state-militias-liberals-are-making-the-case-but-we-look-at-the-evidence/
 * Should the second amendment be discontinued?**

At first the creation of the second amendment was a tough battle but as it developed people began to like it. **(AB)** []
 * How did the second amendment impact citizens at the time?**

The second amendment was created because when emergency came town militias were needed. When militias were needed most of the memebers did not own their own guns. This law allowed them to equip themselves with guns**. (AB)** []
 * Why did they need the second amendment?**

Yes, gun laws differ from state to state. "There are three general categories into which state concealed carry laws can be grouped: unrestricted (no permit of licensing required, but there may still be regulations on where guns can be taken in public), shall issue and may issue. May-issue states a permit for concealed carry" (CNBC News) **(LD)** To learn more click here: []
 * Do gun laws differ from state to state?**

The answer to this question is no, the second amendment and gun permits are not the same. The second amendment is a right that all citizens are given and a permit is something you //need// to own a gun. **(LD)** If you are interested in learning more, feel free to click this link: []
 * Are the second amendment and permits the same?**

Although it is believed that there are many cons to the second amendment, it also has its pros. The second amendment has lead to many other laws leading to the idea of permits. Many gun control laws have lead to less assault and danger because people do not want to be around someone who owns a gun. Gun control laws are developing to make our country safer and to help protect us all. **(LD)** v|http://apecsec.org/2nd-amendment-pros-and-cons/
 * What are the pros of the second amendment?**

**(LD) What issues prompted the creation of your amendment?**

 * The second amendment was created because state militias needed weapons for when they fought. A militia is a group of people who were not exactly part of the military but served for the military when an emergency came up. Although the process of state militias was running smoothly, what happened if an emergency rose and the members of the militia did not own guns? This law was passed allowing the members of the militia to own their own gun just in case they needed to fight.**

**(AB)** **What impact did your amendment have on society at that time?**

 * The second amendment had a big impact on society. It was a good thing and a bad thing. It was good because if someone came into your house you could threaten them with your gun. It was bad because many people had their guns out and it could start a war (shooting). Many people were against this amendment and others took part in this.**

=**(LD) Current Event**= []

The article I read discusses how the guns used in the San Bernardino shooting were used illegally under state law. The Wall Street Journal states that "The rifles used in the San Bernardino mass shooting were illegal under California law because they were modified and violated the state's ban on assault weapons, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives". The modified guns broke the state law because it it violated the state's ban on assault weapons. The guns used were originally sold legally but, the rifles were altered to make them more powerful and dangerous to others. The alteration that were used made the weapons unlawful, therefore making it a more serious case. After the shooting, detectives investigated upon whether the guns were illegal or not and were able to take something out of what they learned. Under federal law, these guns were purchased legally but, under state law they were not. It has been proven that the guns used in the San Bernardino shooting were in fact illegal and legal depending on points of view.

The second amendment protects the right of American citizens to bear arms. The rifles used in the San Bernadarino shooting were illegal under the state laws of California. Many today argue that the second amendment should be taken off the Bill of Rights. However, if the guns purchased //were// illegally used and if the second amendment //were// to be taken of the Bill of Rights, there is nothing to stop people from purchasing and using guns illegally. Sadly, there are a lot of people who buy their guns illegally and use them for no good. Surprisingly enough, there is a reasonable percentage of guns that were bought legally and used illegally. On the other hand, many people believe that the second amendment should remain on the Bill of Rights and should be made stronger. A large amount of the population believes that by making gun laws stronger, less crime will occur and we will be able to form a safer country. However, if this happens there is still nothing to prevent illegal gun usage. In my opinion I believe that we shouldn't change the second amendment at all because either way there is nothing we can do to stop illegal gun usage for good.