In 2012 Chicago surpassed New York City as the murder capital of America, despite having one third as many residents. Having increased from 431 murders recorded in 2011, to 500 murders recorded in 2012, their gun control policies have proven to be less than exemplary. 

Thanks to a Monday ruling by U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang, Chicago will be experimenting with a new gun policy: easier access to firearms. 

With the Second Amendment in mind, Chang declared that the constitutional right to keep and bear arms supersedes Chicago city ordinances aimed at reducing gun violence. Current ordinances prevent licensed gun stores from selling firearms within the city limits.

According to Chang, however, the city failed to convince him that the ban on gun sales was necessary to reduce gun violence in the city. 

“Chicago’s ordinance goes too far in outright banning legal buyers and legal dealers from engaging in lawful acquisitions and lawful sales of firearms," Chang wrote in his 35-page opinion, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The ruling would not only allow gun dealers to begin conducting business within the city, but also legalize the transfer of firearms as gifts and in private sales. 

Yet, Chang said that he would allow the ordinances to remain in place while the city decides whether to appeal the ruling. He also implied that a less constrictive ordinance could be seen as constitutional while still reducing the sale of guns. 

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel "strongly disagrees" with the ruling, according to a statement made by city spokesman Roderick Drew, and has ordered city attorneys "to consider all options to better regulate the sale of firearms within the city's borders."

"We need stronger gun safety laws, not increased access to firearms within the city," said Drew, citing the fact “every year, Chicago police recover more illegal guns than officers in any city in the country.”
Home to President Obama and site of the most homicides in the nation, Chicago’s handling of this challenge from gun-advocates will have nationwide repercussions as the debate on gun policy continues. 

Contact Senior News Editor Sara Newman here. Follow her on Twitter.