Changes

Gun control laws often lead to gun confiscation.

Gun control laws often lead to gun confiscation.

Studies by John Lott and others indicate that gun control causes higher crime rates<ref>http://www.johnrlott.com/</ref>.  [[Washington, D.C.]] has one of the highest crime rates in America even though it completely bans private handguns <ref>http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/dccrime.htm</ref>.

Studies indicate that gun control causes lower murder rates. Most European countries have gun control and thus have rates of violent death of only 1/10 of that of the US

After decades of increasing gun control laws, the current trend is in the direction of more gun rights.  The 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill included a ban on certain "rifles" labeled assault rifles solely because of features of their appearance (and lethal fire power).  This law recenly expired and was not renewed by Congress.  Also, Washington D.C.'s gun ban was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals on March 9, 2007.<ref>http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070309-102401-2730r.htm</ref>

After decades of increasing gun control laws, the current trend is in the direction of more gun rights.  The 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill included a ban on certain "rifles" labeled assault rifles solely because of features of their appearance (and lethal fire power) and used almost solely by criminals such as Mafia because they are of no use in hunting or sport shooting.  This law recenly expired and was not renewed by Congress.  Also, Washington D.C.'s gun ban was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals on March 9, 2007.<ref>http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070309-102401-2730r.htm</ref>

==Constitutional Debate==

==Constitutional Debate==