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Although a right to have and use arms once existed in English law and Scots law, this is no longer the case and has not been so for many decades. Some argue that a general right to keep or bear arms has not existed for centuries. In any case, the modern legal situation is that the possession of firearms is effectively a privilege granted only to persons who can demonstrate both a need and that they are sufficiently responsible.
The Bill of Rights of 1689 included the provision that "the subjects which are Protestants may have Arms for their Defence suitable to their Conditions, and as allowed by Law."[21] The words "as allowed by Law" indicate this was always a qualified rather than an absolute right. However this provision, along with many other pieces of ancient law, has been overruled by the doctrine of implied repeal, the Bill of Rights had no special legal protection as a result of parliamentary sovereignty.
I don't hate weapons - I object to the arbitrary ownership of them, which endangers innocent people.
As far as the inanimate object theory goes, a gun is designed to kill, so is a sword - a car is not.
Originally posted by budski
I would rather no-one had guns, crossbows, swords, hunting knives, spears, longbows, trebuchets etc etc
There is simply no need to have these things.
Can you name a legitimate NEED? (not just someone wanting them)
I would rather no-one had guns, crossbows, swords, hunting knives, spears, longbows, trebuchets etc etc
There is simply no need to have these things.
Can you name a legitimate NEED? (not just someone wanting them)
Originally posted by Snap
Need? Since when do people have to show a "need" in order to own anything? Are you going to be all for it when they ban computers because pedophiles can download child porn off of the internet? Will you be happy arguing to the police department your "need" to own one?
Do you "need" any of those paintings hanging on your wall? They waste valuable resources you know. You "need" your TV? Do you REALLY "need" to have more than a few changes of clothes? Do you want to have to prove your "need" for every item you own?
Sure, banning guns may sound reasonable. Banning swords may sound reasonable.