The second amendment to the United States Constitution states: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This amendment was adapted to the Bill of Rights in 1791, and the controversy over this amendment has lasted many years. .
The first gun control issues started in 1715 when Maryland passed a law banning African American slaves from carrying a gun unless they had a permit. After the Civil War, Maryland adopted a law to prohibit any "freeman, free negro or mulatto" in owning or possessing a firearm. Laws were later passed in other states to restrict immigrants, especially the Irish in New York, from owning guns without a license; these all were later repealed.
The only Supreme Court ruling on the second amendment was in 1939, in the U.S. v. Miller case. The verdict said that the second amendment was meant only for military purposes and individuals do not have the right to bear arms. The amendment clearly states otherwise, and the unfair ruling in this case has been cited in the verdicts of over 30 cases in some of the country's lower courts.
Lately, laws have been passed in California and New Jersey banning the sale and unlicensed possession of "militia-style semiautomatic weapons". Other states are trying to put this law in effect as well. Many Congressmen are trying to ban only handguns, but it will take much debate before these laws are put into effect.
There are proponents as well as opponents to this amendment. One of the most vocal proponents is the National Rifle Association. They are very influential in gaining public awareness of the right to own a gun. Opponents of the second amendment say that it is only meant for military purposes, and people in the military are the only ones who can own a gun are those enlisted in the military.
Many groups are in favor of the amendment for the purpose of self-defense.