Some people feel that the possession of firearms should be legalised on the grounds that they are necessary for personal protection and maintaining the safety of their families. I would argue that this is a fallacy because the wide-spread possession of guns will lead to a more dangerous society.

Those who tout the importance of legalising guns argue that they are imperative for maintaining the safety of themselves and their loved ones. They point to instances where criminals were deterred from violent crimes because the victim had access to a weapon. While such events may make attractive headlines and aspirational stories, they are seldom the case. In fact, the legalisation of guns is much more likely to result in criminals themselves having access to weapons, rather than the opposite way around. This is often seen in certain American States, such as Texas, where armed robbery and assault are common.

I would argue that guns should not be made legal for two overwhelming reasons. Firstly, it is difficult to regulate who has access to the weapons. While background checks may serve to determine who buys the firearm in the first place, it is much more challenging to ensure that this weapon stays with its rightful owner. This is evident from the number of guns that appear in black markets. Secondly, the presence of guns in society means that problems can escalate at an exasperating rate. In a society without guns, if a troubled person attempts to kill a large group of people, they will be limited by their strength and other situational factors. This is not the case when guns are introduced. If a psychopath has access to a firearm- especially high-powered guns- they can cause an immense amount of damage in a short time. One such example was the famous shooting at Columbine High School.

In conclusion, I would argue that individuals should not be allowed to possess a gun. I believe that it is a fallacy that guns serve to protect people and in fact, create a more dangerous society.