NOTE TO STUDENTS: This is a controversial issue for many Americans. Be polite to those with whom you disagree when discussing these types of issues and always give the other person a chance to explain his/her point of view. Also, learn how to recognize when it is no longer productive to discuss an issue on which you strongly disagree.

1. a) Chicago's Democratic city council and mayor support a ban on possession, concealed carry and gun sales within Chicago. What argument did City Hall attorneys make in defending the ban on gun sales?
b) How did they explain this argument? (see para. 8)

2. a) Judge Chang agreed that the city had a “fundamental duty” to protect its citizens and acknowledged that “the stark reality facing the City each year is thousands of shooting victims and hundreds of murders committed with a gun.”
How did he explain his decision in favor of gun sales as part of Chicagoans' constitutional rights?
b) What do you think of the judge's opinion?

3. What is the Second Amendment?

4. What solution did the Judge suggest the city use to deal with the problem of straw purchasers?

5. What recommendations did Judge Chang offer the city for how to work with his ruling?

6. Do you think the Judge's solutions and recommendations are reasonable or unreasonable? Explain your answer.

7. What reason did the plaintiffs in the case give for wanting to exercise their Second Amendment rights?

8. A spokesman for Mayor Emanuel said "every year Chicago Police recover more illegal guns than officers in any city in the country. We need stronger gun safety laws, not increased access to firearms within the city.” Until recently, Chicago had a complete ban on any type of gun ownership for law-abiding citizens and has a very high crime rate.
Recently Detroit's Police Chief James Craig said that if more citizens in Detroit were armed, criminals would think twice about attacking them. And last month Chief Craig said responsible citizens who carry concealed pistol licenses “translates into crime reduction.”
a) With whom do you agree? Why?
b) Ask a parent the same question.