NCJ Number
179642
Editor(s)
Henny H. Kim,
Bruno Leone
Date Published
1999
Length
219 pages
Annotation
Opposing viewpoints are presented on the seriousness of the problem of gun violence and on whether gun control reduces crime, whether gun control is constitutional, whether gun ownership is an effective means of self-defense, and measures to reduce gun violence.
Abstract
Those who view gun violence as a serious problem cite the high number of deaths from gunshot wounds, escalating rates of gun-related homicides, and the pervasiveness of guns in households. Most gunshot victims are young males without medical insurance, many of them are under 20 years of age. Studies are cited to show that gun availability is related to an increase in the murder rate, especially among young adults, and that gun control can protect persons who are the most victimized, such as women and children. The second amendment does not prohibit the government from regulating a citizen's right to own a gun, and individual rights are often restricted for the good of collective safety. Those who do not view gun violence as a serious problem argue that the problem is exaggerated, that guns can prevent violence, that guns should not be blamed for violence, and that the public's fear of violent crime is excessive. These individuals also contend that controlling legal gun ownership does not reduce crime, that increased gun control will result in more burglaries, and that domestic violence gun control laws hinder crime reduction. In addition, they believe that gun control is not constitutional in accordance with the second amendment. The effectiveness of gun ownership as a means of self-defense is assessed. Measures to reduce gun violence are discussed, including increased awareness of violent crime, spiritual involvement, controlling gun manufacturers, holding gun manufacturers accountable, treating gun violence as a public health issue, and promoting responsible gun ownership. References