Listen up Chicago City Council: Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 8-20 is in Need of Reform!

Abstract

This paper seeks to offer guidance to the Chicago City Council and awareness to other communities with regards to the constitutionality and harmful effects of the current Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 8-20. While this paper argues in support of gun control legislation, it questions whether current legislation effectuates its public goals, and attempts to shed light on its irrational consequences. This article will argue that while the current Chicago Municipal Code, Chapter 8-20, is facially neutral, it contains provsions that are unreasonable and unnecessary in effectuating its goals while maintaining white privilege and control. Further, the implimentation and effects of the Code infringe upon citizens' fundamental right to bear arms, and result in various forms of discrimination to Chicagoans on the basis of race, class, and gender. For these reasons, the Chicago City Council should reform the language of the Code and impliment additional strategies, programs, and community services so not to infringe upon the fundamental right to bear arms and minimize the ensuing gender, racial, and class discrimination created by Chicago Municipal Code, Chapter 8-20.