Non-Discretionary Concealed Carry Legislation and Violent Crime: A Re- Analysis of the John R. Lott Jr. Data Set

摘要

Gun control is perhaps one of the most contentious policy issues in America. The uninitiated may quickly become bewildered by the plethora of conflicting studies and the tenacity with which findings are defended. The issues involved range from the nature and prevalence of defensive gun use to constitutional issues, international comparisons, and guns as a public health hazard. Any attempt to arrive at meaningful policy recommendations necessitates exploration of a multitude of diverse yet interrelated topics. Through a comprehensive literature review and data analysis, this thesis attempts to arrive at realistic policy interventions aimed at alleviating gun violence while preserving the legitimate uses of guns by law abiding citizens. This thesis argues that existing firearms policy can be improved upon, however the reader should be under no illusions that any easy answers to this 'wicked' social problem are provided in the pages that follow. Indeed, this thesis concludes that without fundamental change in the very nature of our society, gun violence is a problem that can only be mildly ameliorated at best.