NCJ Number
79097
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 455 Dated: (May 1981) Pages: 11-23
Date Published
1981
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article argues that possible widespread violation of gun prohibition legislation may cause unacceptable societal costs of enforcement, which would cast doubt upon the wisdom of enacting what might be considered a reasonable policy.
Abstract
The discussion covers the likely extent of voluntary compliance, costs of prohibition, a proposal to limit prohibition to handguns rather than all guns, and application of the 'vice model' to gun control. Costs of gun prohibition include alienating that large segment of the population who already own and use guns and the extremely high cost of attempting to enforce any law against gun possession both for the police and the overcrowded courts. A more limited prohibition restricted to handguns would probably be more cost effective. However, the major unknown concerning this approach remains the extent of cooperation by the citizenry. An even more cost-effective approach may be application of the vice model, which forbids the sale of firearms but not their ownership. This type of law avoids the large social costs inherent in turning millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals. At the same time, an effective prohibition on sales would, over time, gradually reduce the number of guns in private possession. Analogies between this type of gun prohibition and alcohol prohibition as formerly practiced; drug prohibitions; and other activities legislated as being illegal, such as gambling and prostitution; are discussed. The article points out that history has shown that if the demand exists, there will be many who, despite law enforcement efforts, will step in to supply the need. A total of 21 footnotes are provided.