no debate today

Court cases to look at.

District of Columbia v. Heller - 2005 - Supreme Court upholds the right to keep and bear arms for self defense in the home.

United States v. Emerson - 2001 - 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the right to keep and bear arms.

Silveira v. Lockyer - 2002 - 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rules that the 2nd Amendment does not provide an individual right to bear arms. Instead, it argues that there is a collective right to bear arms for the purposes of state militias. The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal.

United States v. Miller - 1939 - Supreme Court ruling that can be (and has been) applied to both sides of the debate.

United States v. Cruikshank - 1876 - Supreme Court ruling that the 2nd Amendment does not apply to the states.

Presser v. Illinois - 1886 - Supreme Court ruling that agrees with Cruikshank.

Resolution and Dates

Resolved: That the United States undervalues an individual’s right to own and bear arms when balanced against the greater social needs of society.

Topic Symposium at NYU - April 8th

Early Bird Debates (location TBA) - April 29th

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/28/AR2010022803985.html

SUPREME COURT GUN CONTROL ARGUMENTS: DUE PROCESS, PRIV IMMUNITIES

Brainstorming Session - Values and Arguments

Value 1 - Right to Self Preservation

Gun ownership allows individuals to protect themselves from potential victimization by violent criminal offenders.

Value 2 - Promotion of Civil Liberties

The right to bear arms equips citizens withthe tools they need to protect against a tyrannical government.

Value 3 - Cultural Enlightenment and Evolution

Guns have no place in a civilized society.

Value 4 - Respect for Law and Order

Value 5 - Public Safety

Value 6 - Personal Control - Restraint

Value 7 - Honor