American Guns: History, Law & Criminal Justice Challenges

Catalog description

Although violent crime has generally been on the decline since the mid-1990's, the subjects of gun ownership, gun violence, and gun control have become ubiquitous in election campaigns. This course explores the historical, legal, and cultural context of this debate. To address historical context, the course examines the US. Constitution, early U.S. history, and American gun culture. The course then shifts to modern history to outline what is known about gun ownership and gun crime today. With this background, students explore both sides of the gun control debate and resulting legislation from the 1800's to the present. Current laws regulating gun ownership and purchase, conceal carry and self-defense are also addressed. Law enforcement efforts, including crime scene investigation, are explored. Lastly, the course highlights examples of international and transnational efforts related to gun control and trade.. Students will have the opportunity to explore controversial gun-related topics in an independent course project. At the completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the early history of gun ownership in the U.S. 2. Detail the known trends in gun ownership and the life cycle of a gun. 3. List arguments for and against regulation of gun ownership. 4. Describe the laws regulating gun ownership, purchase, and conceal carry. 5. Detail law enforcement and legislative efforts to restrict or deter the use of guns in crime. 7. Identify examples of international and transnational attempts to address gun ownership and trade. 8. Detail and evaluate the future of a modern issue related to firearms and Criminal Justice.