A comparison between the German and the United States law concerning the differences in gun laws

1.  Abstract  3

2.  Introduction  4

3.  Historical Background  4

4.  Applicable Law  6

5.  Recent Discussion  10

6.  Summary  11

7.  Conclusion  12

8.  Sources  13

1. Abstract

“A comparison between the German and the United States law concerning the differences in gun laws” is an assignment by Yury Braun for the MBA 640 course, Legal Environment of Business, for Professor Muhammad Abdullah. Braun explores the history of gun laws and major legal cases as well as cultural background in both - Germany and the United States of America. Furthermore, he describes current applicable law and recent developments and discussions in both countries before finishing with an outlook concerning gun ethics and gun laws comparing Germany and the United States.

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2. Introduction

The United States of America are well-known for the general right of people to keep and bear arms according to the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. However, there are different constraints established after the assassination of John F. Kennedy and a major discussion emerged after the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings.

Germany, on the other hand, is well-known for its highly complicated gun law and the multiple constraints established for those who want to buy and bear arms. Nevertheless, there are similar issues concerning high school shootings in Germany as there are in the US.

Thus, it is highly interesting to compare the discussions being led and the laws being applied in the two countries in relation to the cultural and historical background to evaluate the success of applicable law and to forecast future development.

3. Historical Background

Gun politics and gun laws have experienced very different development in Germany and the United States of America in the course of time. Historical events and society have played a major role in this development. Therefore, it is important to understand the historical background first before turning to the existing laws and regulations.

The origins of American gun culture trace back to the colonization of the North American continent. Settlers have been highly dependent on their guns due to their rural way of life and the need for hunting to feed their families. Guns have become an inevitable part of most people’s lives. The second major event that increased the importance of guns in the American society was the American War of Independence. The nation’s mobilization and armament had a major impact on the connection between people and weapons. This historical development resulted in the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights in 1791 which shall be later elaborated on. To express this connection, the first public organization advocating firearms had been established in 1871 - the National Rifle Association.

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