Why Guns should be Legal
- In some countries, people are allowed to own firearms
- Individuals have the right to protect themselves
- People can use guns in self-defense
- This deters criminals
Why Gun Ownership should be illegal
- There is a risk of accidents with guns
- The number of violent crimes increases when guns are available
- Criminals may be armed
- The police then need to use guns
- Suicide rates have been shown to rise when guns are available
- Guns create violent societies with high murder rates
Why the Police should Use Guns
- Many criminals use weapons
- The threat of a gun can deter criminals
- Police officers can force a criminal to surrender
- It is easier to arrest someone and avoid physical violence
- The police may shoot violent criminals in self defence
- They can protect the public
- They can shoot an escaping criminal who poses a serious danger to the public
Why the Police should not Carry Guns
- There is a risk of accidents and mistakes
- The police might shoot an unarmed criminal or an innocent person
- Accidents can happen in public places
- There are several alternatives to guns (e.g. tear gas, sprays and electric shock weapons)
- Only special police units should use guns
Arm Trade: Positives
- The export of arms, or weapons, is an extremely controversial issue
- Governments of rich, industrialized countries sell arms to each other
- This industry creates jobs and wealth
- The trade of weapons may improve relationships between governments
Arms Trade: Negatives
- Weapons may be used in conflicts and wars
- The supply of arms could be responsible for deaths
- Governments are promoting war in order to make a profit
- Rich countries can influence the politics of other nations
Nuclear Weapons
- Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying whole cities
- A nuclear war between two countries would destroy both countries
- Nuclear weapons are used as a deterrent
- They prevent wars from starting
Nuclear Weapons: Opinion
- Nuclear weapons should be prohibited
- Governments should limit the production of nuclear weapons
- There is a danger of nuclear weapons being obtained by terrorists
- Nuclear weapons cannot be used against terrorist organizations
Armed Forces: Positives
- Armed forces provide security and protection
- They deter military attack by another country
- They can also be sued to maintain peace within countries
- They can be sued to give the police extra support
- Soldiers are also used to help in emergency situations, such as after a natural disaster
Armed Forces: Negatives
- Armies require a lot of funding from governments
- Too much money is spent on weapons and military technology
- This money could be spent on schools, hospitals and other public services
