NCJ Number
150439
Date Published
1991
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews relevant research to assess the pros and cons of gun control as a means of reducing the number of crimes committed with guns.
Abstract
The study first examines the variety of definitions of gun control, ranging from registration to prohibition of ownership. Some gun-control measures seem reasonable and pose few problems for persons on either side of the debate. Others are quite restrictive and, gun-control opponents argue, pose major infringements on individual liberty without offering gains in crime control. The author concludes that the proponents of strict gun control have the weaker arguments. He believes felons will not be deterred or prevented from securing and carrying guns no matter what gun-control measures are adopted, especially given the high number of guns currently owned and in circulation in the United States. Deaths due to crimes of passion linked to firearms likely will decrease little with gun control in a society that has not yet addressed why there is so much dispute-oriented violence. The author warns against the simple notion that the crime rate will decrease if cheap handguns are outlawed. Criminals accustomed to using guns to intimidate and control their victims are not likely to be deterred from having guns because of the absence of cheap handguns. Overall, the author concludes that strict gun- control measures will not make a significant contribution to crime control.