NCJ Number
169134
Editor(s)
D B Kopel
Date Published
1995
Length
475 pages
Annotation
These seven papers examine specific issues related to the debate about gun control and conclude that proposals for gun control have diverted attention from crime's real causes, which include the breakdown of the family; failed social welfare programs; and increasing hopelessness among male youth, especially in inner cities.
Abstract
The authors have backgrounds in law, criminology, medicine, psychiatry, and feminist studies. An article presenting a feminist reappraisal of gun control challenges the view that guns are simply the tools of male oppression and concludes that they can be considered an equalizer as increasing numbers of women arm themselves for self-protection. A discussion of background checks and waiting periods for gun purchases focuses on the Brady Bill and argues that it will have almost no impact on reducing the level of violent crime. A discussion of the Second Amendment presents the views of two black law professors on the history of gun control as a method of disarming law-abiding minorities. A paper on assault weapons concludes that they are actually no more powerful than many other guns. A discussion of physicians and guns challenges arguments that guns are a danger to public health and argues that the net effects of guns in society is a large gain for public health. An analysis of children and guns focuses on gun accidents involving unsupervised children, guns at school, and the increase in armed crime by juveniles and concludes these problems have been inaccurately reported and that gun control is not an effective way to address them. A concluding chapter discusses the policy implications of the other chapters and recommends welfare reform, decentralization of power to States and localities, and other measures. Chapter reference notes and index (Publisher summary modified)