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NCJRS Abstract

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NCJ Number: 182348 Find in a Library
Title: Firearms and Violence: Interpreting the Connection
Journal: Popular Government  Volume:65  Issue:2  Dated:Winter 2000  Pages:2-17
Author(s): Stevens H. Clarke
Date Published: 2000
Page Count: 16
Type: Report (Study/Research)
Format: Article
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: An analysis of national and international data and comparisons from North Carolina concludes that the United States has a much higher level of homicide than comparable countries and that most of the difference in homicide rates is attributable to crimes committed with guns
Abstract: The United States also has a much higher level of gun ownership than comparable countries. Most people cite protection of people or property as a primary reason for possessing firearms. Other common purposes are hunting, target shooting, and amassing a gun collection. Experts disagree on how often people use guns for legitimate defense. In addition, the relationship between gun ownership and violent crime is a chicken-and-egg issue in that the availability of guns contributes to violence, but the level of violence also probably motivates people to acquire guns. Some restrictions on firearms have produced some results in reducing violence, although the research makes it clear that achieving this result is not easy. In particular, some effective strategies appear to exist for reducing the number of guns in the hands of unsupervised juveniles. Figures, table, photographs, and 68 reference notes
Main Term(s): Criminology
Index Term(s): Citizen gun ownership; Firearm-crime relationships; Firearms deaths; Gun Control; Homicide; Homicide causes; US/foreign comparisons; Violence causes
To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=182348

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