-
Essay / Louisiana Needs Gun Control Laws! - 1263
In Louisiana, gun ownership is one of the most valued rights, as many view it as the only means of self-defense. Although a right, if crime rates are increasing due to gun violence, should self-defense interfere with the enforcement of gun control laws? Currently, gun crime stands at "18.9 [...] deaths per 100,000 people [...]" ("States with the most gun violence: 24/7 Wall St." ). This statistic places Louisiana near the top in gun crime, reminding us that gun control is necessary. Gun control measures may include restricting weapons such as the AK-47; a weapon designed for combat type encounters. Why would ordinary citizens need AK-47s anyway? Among the few restrictions that exist, laws such as “RS 14:95” define the type of weapons that are illegal for the general public to carry. Weapons such as the “switchblade knife and spring knife” are among the few weapons considered illegal (“SR 14:95”). Not only is this confusing, but also worrying because the law appears to place no restrictions on deadly weapons. Confusion persists with laws such as “RS 14:95.2,” which specifies where citizens can carry weapons. Part of the law states that “[a]ny student carrying a firearm to or from a classroom […] requiring the use of the firearm […]” is legal. This is confusing because I don't know of any classes requiring gun portability. ROTC might be the exception, but firearms are only required in activities such as field training, not in the course itself. Therefore, current restrictions have not reduced gun crime in Louisiana; thus reminding us that current gun laws are confusing and do not address gun control, which is a necessary part of all gun laws as it would help reduce crime rates. "RS 1...... middle of paper .. ....final amendment leaves gun laws in disarray. Theadvocate.com. Capital City Press, November 3, 2013. Web. November 10, 2013. “Open Carry FAQ.” Laopencarry.org. Open Carry Awareness League of Louisiana, 2011. Web. November 25, 2013. “RS 14:95.” Legis.la.gov. Louisiana State Legislature, 2013. Web. November 24, 2013. “RS 14:95.2.” Legis.la.gov. Louisiana State Legislature, 2013. Web. November 24, 2013. Skorton, David and Glenn Altschuler. “Do we really need more guns on campus? Forbes.com. Forbes, February 21, 2013. Web. November 26, 2013. “States Most Affected by Gun Violence: 24/7 Wall Street.” » Huffingtonpost.com. HuffPost Business, April 16, 2013. Web. November 9, 2013. Stewart, Robert. “Study: Louisiana has the highest rate of gun violence in the United States” Theadvocate.com. Capital City Press, April 4, 2013. Web. November 7, 2013. Woodward, Alex. "New Gun Laws in Louisiana." Bestofneworleans.com. Gambit, July 2, 2013. Web. November 10. 2013.