In Louisiana, gun ownership is one of the most valued rights because many see it as the only means of self-defense. While it is a right, if crime rates increase due to gun violence, should self-defense hinder enforcement of gun control laws? Currently, gun crime amounts to “18.9 […] deaths per 100,000 people […]” (“States with the Highest Gun Violence: 24/7, Wall St.”). This statistic places Louisiana among the top for gun crime, reminding us that gun control is necessary. Gun control measures may include limiting weapons such as the AK-47; a pistol designed for battle-like encounters. Why would ordinary citizens need the AK-47 anyway? Among the few restrictions that exist, laws such as "RS 14:95" define the type of weapons that are illegal to carry in public. Weapons such as the “switchblade and spring knife” are among the few considered illegal (“RS 14:95”). Not only is this confusing, but it is also disturbing because the law apparently has no restrictions on lethal weapons. The confusion continues with laws like “RS 14:95.2,” which dictates where citizens can carry weapons. Part of the law states that "[any student carrying a firearm to or from a class […] require[ing] the use of the firearm [...]" is legal. It's confusing because I don't know of any classes that require weapon carrying. ROTC may be an exception, but firearms are only necessary in activities such as field training, not during the class itself. As a result, current restrictions have not reduced gun crime in Louisiana; thus, reminding us that current gun laws are confusing and not about gun control, which is a necessary element of all gun laws because it would help reduce the crime rate. "RS 1...... middle of paper .. ....latest amendment leaves gun laws in disarray." Theadvocate.com. Capital City Press, November 3, 2013. Web. November 10, 2013. “Open Transportation FAQ.” Laopencarry.org. Louisiana Open Carry Awareness League, 2011. Web. Nov. 25, 2013. “RS 2:95 pm.” Legis.la.gov. Louisiana State Legislature, 2013. Web. Nov. 24, 2013. “RS 14:95.2.” Legis.la.gov. Louisiana State Legislature, 2013. Web. November 24, 2013. Skorton, David, and Glenn Altschuler. “Do we really need more guns on campus?” Forbes.com. Forbes, February 21, 2013. Web. November 26, 2013. "States with the Most Gun Violence: 24/7 on Wall St." Huffingtonpost.com. HuffPost Business, April 16, 2013. Web. November 9, 2013. Stewart, Robert. “Study: Louisiana has highest rate of gun violence in US” Theadvocate.com. Capital City Press, April 4, 2013. Web. November 7, 2013. Woodward, Alex. “New Gun Laws in Louisiana.” Bestofneworleans.com. Gambit, 2 July 2013. Web. 10 November. 2013.