Gun violence in this country poses a public health crisis that needs common-sense solutions now. The ABA has longstanding, nonpartisan policies promoting gun violence prevention strategies that respect the Second Amendment. Recent gun violence incidents across the country have resulted in increased calls for immediate action and prompted the creation of a bipartisan working group in the U.S. Senate. While there is no single solution for this escalating crisis, evidence-informed strategies must finally be enacted to help prevent future incidents.
On June 24, 2022, ABA President Reginald M. Turner sent a letter to House Leadership urging Congress to act swiftly on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, an urgently needed step forward to better protect our communities from gun violence with proven solutions that respect the Second Amendment.
On June 23, 2022, ABA President Reginald M. Turner issued a statement on the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen and the recent bipartisan efforts in Congress.
On June 1, 2022, ABA President Reginald M. Turner sent a letter to the Senate Bipartisan Working Group on Gun Violence, led by Senator Chris Murphy and Senator John Cornyn, expressing support for swift, evidence-informed bipartisan legislative actions to reduce the risk of gun violence and urging them to consider ABA recommendations of proven solutions that respect the Second Amendment.
The American Bar Association filed an amicus brief on September 21, 2021 with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking to affirm the Court’s prior decisions allowing states to tailor firearm-carry regulations to local conditions and needs under the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.
For over 50 years the ABA has weighed in on gun violence policy. Recognizing that there is no simple solution, and consistent with a public health approach to addressing this national crisis, these policies cover a range of topics from research, education, prevention, enforcement, and regulation.
The ABA works amongst many entities to ensure evidence-based solutions to the gun violence problem plaguing the U.S.
Standing Committee on Gun Violence
This Standing Committee focuses on reducing gun violence through education, activation, and legislation.
Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
Over the past five decades, the Section and its members have worked on hundreds of issues addressing a broad range of civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights. Today, the Section continues to promote policies affecting racial equality, environmental and economic justice, LGBT rights, gender equity, and other significant civil rights issues.
Criminal Justice Section
With its diverse membership of criminal justice professionals, the ABA Criminal Justice Section is uniquely situated to bring all the various actors to the table to address today's most pressing criminal justice issues.
Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence
Our mission is to increase access to justice for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by mobilizing the legal profession.
Standing Committee on Law and National Security
The Standing Committee on Law and National Security is the oldest Standing Committee in the ABA. We have sustained a commitment to educating the Bar and public on national security issues.
