Resource guide - News in review - CBC Learning

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SEPTEMBER 2012 — COLORADO SHOOTING RAMPAGE Post-Viewing Questions 1. Do you think that additional security measures are needed in public places? Why or why not? 2. Do you think that changes to American gun laws could have prevented this crime? 3. What have you learned about the James Holmes' in the media? Do you think we should pay attention to people like him or should we not give them extensive media attention? Why? News in Review ∙ CBC Learning ∙ newsinreview.cbclearning.ca 8
SEPTEMBER 2012 — COLORADO SHOOTING RAMPAGE LEARNING ACTIVITY: Considering Points of View on Gun Laws Some countries have restrictive gun laws while others have less restrictive gun laws. Perhaps the most fundamental issue surrounding gun laws is the attempt of a government to balance personal freedom and public safety. This balance is the subject of much debate. Historical, cultural, economic, social and political issues come into play and a diversity of opinion exists within each nation regarding its own gun laws. Canada has more restrictive legislation regarding the sales, ownership and possession of guns when compared to the United States. This difference has existed since both nations came into existence and continues today. The United States historically guaranteed its male, white citizens the "right to keep and bear arms" (arms being the term for weapons including firearms).This right is stated in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Bill of Rights, part of the American Constitution, which was adopted on December 15, 1791. Why would the founding fathers of the United States want their citizens to "keep and bear arms"? Several historical reasons are plausible; to stop a tyrannical government; to fight off foreign enemies; for protection of self, family and property; and for enforcement of the law. While these reasons seem reasonable in 1791, are they still reasonable in the 21st century? There are arguments on both sides. In Canada, the historical context is different, as are contemporary attitudes. From the early days of Confederation, law officials could fine men for carrying handguns. In the late 1970s, stricter gun controls were introduced such as the definition of restricted and prohibited weapons. In the mid 1990s, significant increases in controls occurred including the restriction of ownership of numerous firearms typically used in the military. In 2001, the Liberal government implemented legislation that asked that all firearms, including rifles and shotguns, be registered. If a firearm was not registered, criminal charges would result. Years of vocal opposition to the bill began especially in rural communities with hunters and by those who felt that the registration of guns infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens. The law abolishing the long-gun registry was passed by the Conservative government in 2012 amid opposition from groups who stated that the registry provided important information to police and that it had increased public safety. Did you know? Canadian law states you must have a license to own a firearm (to obtain a license you must pass safety training and background security screening). News in Review ∙ CBC Learning ∙ newsinreview.cbclearning.ca 9
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Resource guide - News in review - CBC Learning

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