NCJ Number
46316
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM EXAMINES THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM OF HANDGUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA, AND PRESENTS ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF STRICT GUN CONTROL LAWS.
Abstract
THROUGH INTERVIEWS WITH HANDGUN CRIME VICTIMS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF VICTIMS, POLICE OFFICERS, AND OTHER PERSONS, AS WELL AS VIVID SEGMENTS SHOWING THE BODIES OF SHOOTING VICTIMS, THE FILM PRESENTS A CASE FOR THE STRICT REGULATION OF HANDGUN SALES AND OWNERSHIP IN AMERICA. IT ILLUSTRATES THE VIOLENCE WHICH HAS RESULTED FROM THE PROLIFERATION OF SUCH WEAPONS IN THIS COUNTRY. INTERVIEWS WITH VARIOUS MUNICIPAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES EMPHASIZE THE NUMBER OF HANDGUNS IN EXISTENCE AND THE DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED IN REGULATING THEM EFFECTIVELY. THE PROBLEM OF THE SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL IS GIVEN PARTICULAR EMPHASIS, AND ITS COMPLETE PROHIBITION IS RECOMMENDED. IN ADDITION TO VIOLENT CRIMES, THE FILM IS CONCERNED WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING HANDGUNS KEPT IN THE HOME. SPECIFIC CASES OF CHILDREN KILLED OR MAIMED BY THE GUNS THEIR PARENTS KEPT IN THE HOUSE FOR 'PROTECTION' ARE RECOUNTED, AND THE PARENTS OF SOME OF THESE CHILDREN ARE INTERVIEWED. (VDA)