Changes

'''Gun control''' is the regulation by governments of [[gun]] ownership and the right to carry, conceal, or use [[firearm]]s, often with the result of increasing crime due to the removal of the main deterrent to crime: self-defense.

'''Gun control''' is the regulation by governments of [[gun]] ownership and the right to carry, conceal, or use [[firearm]]s, often with the result of increasing crime due to the removal of the main deterrent to crime: self-defense.

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>. It should be noted however, that correlation should not necessarily imply causation. DC's high crime rate could be attributable to other factors, such as high poverty rates. Moreover, if gun control laws are designed to combat crime, it would be expected that they would be found in areas with higher crime rates.

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>. It should be noted however, that correlation should not necessarily imply causation. DC's high crime rate could be attributable to other factors, such as high poverty rates. Moreover, if gun control laws are designed to combat crime, it would be expected that they would be found in areas with higher crime rates.

After decades of increasing gun control laws, the current trend in the USA is in the direction of more gun rights.  The 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill included a ban on certain new rifles labeled assault rifles solely because of features of their appearance, and on new high-capacity magazines.  This law recently 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 in the USA is in the direction of more gun rights.  The 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill included a ban on certain new rifles labeled assault rifles solely because of features of their appearance, and on new high-capacity magazines.  This law recently 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>