Both the history of the gun control debate, as well as the focus the debate will take in the future, are explored in this unique collection of over 200 documents spanning 200 years. High school and undergraduate students can use this resource—one of the largest collections of key documents concerning the issue of gun control—to explore the seminal arguments for and against further restrictions on guns. Each document is preceded by an explanatory head note to aid the student researcher in understanding and appraising the primary source.

An advisory board of distinguished specialists and teachers on both sides of the debate assisted Bijlefeld with the selection of documents. All aspects of the debate are examined, including the history and development of the Second Amendment and its modern interpretations, as well as the political climate surrounding the debate. Users can investigate explanations of federal and state gun control measures, how they are passed into law, and gun control's role in today's political debates. Examining the future of the debate, Bijlefeld provides documents that explore the developing legal theories, the increased attention by criminologists, and the role played by the public health and law enforcement communities. The volume serves as a comprehensive source of key documents as well as a guide to additional sources covering specific topics.