The case has its controversy as the citizens of Columbia insist that they should be allowed to own handguns within the district. This is in opposition with the 1975 Act of the Supreme Court, “The Firearms Control Regulation Act of the 1975”. There is a claim that, this Act is violating individual right to own firearms, yet the second Amendment of this Act protects individual’s rights to own firearms unconnected with military service, and use that arm for lawful traditional purpose. (Blackwell, 2008)
This case is a controversial case affecting all the Americans who own guns. Whether they are constitutionally allowed to own gun or not, their ownership is not defined as a protected right or privilege that the government can restrict at will. More over, this case affects the entire body of the presidential aspirants. Either Senator Obama or Clinton will emerge the most anti-gun Democrat Nominee. (Blackwell, 2008)
The reason as to why the government is against handgun possession is that, gun ban will protect women, minority, the elderly, and the disabled, who are the most vulnerable to the freedom of gun ownership. The cases of violence, especially from the white adult males have become very common of late. There is a stereotype that, this group of people, at the prime of life is prone to causing much violence in the society. The court seeks to disarm these people. (Head, 2008) However, the same argue that, they are the most prone to attacks, and need to be armed for individual protection purposes.
This case is in the Courts, preferably Supreme Court, in the Congress, and in the media. The Supreme Court is yet to voice out its decision concerning the issue. The Congress needs to speak its side too. (Kopel, Halbrook, & Korwin, 2007) This is why it is felt that this case will influence the presidential race in the United State. It is also in the media. The public is allowed to register their opinions concerning the case. However, the Supreme Court has the final say.
The first time, this case was voiced in Columbia in 1939, and it was heard again in Canada, and other several Districts in the States have had similar arguments. People have been arguing against the case, portraying their need to keep handguns. (Kopel, Halbrook, & Korwin, 2007) The Columbians actually had the case dismissed upholding 2-1, by Circuit Court of Appeal in 2007. (Head, 2008)
Reference:
- Blackwell, K. (2008). The Roe v. Wade of Gun Rights. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from http://www.nysun.com/opinion/roe-v-wade-of-gun-rights/72972/
- Head, T. (2008). District of Columbia v. Heller: The Supreme Court Handgun Case. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/tp/District-of-Columbia-v-Heller.htm
- Kopel, D., Halbrook, P. S., & Korwin, A. (2007). Supreme Court Case: “Supreme Court Takes Its 96th Gun Case” The Heller Case. Retrieved September 15, 2008, fromhttp://www.gunlaws.com/SCGC-HellerCase.htm.