Researchers from Duke University set out on a thorough investigation to evaluate the efficacy of gun control laws across the country. Their main concern? The connection between high homicide rates and strict gun laws.
The findings were unexpected: “No difference in homicide rates” was observed between states with stricter legislation and those with laxer regulations.
Gun Control Law Effects on Homicide
One encouraging development arose from the legislation. Although they did not affect homicide rates, states that enforced tight gun control laws observed a significant decrease in the number of under-18s taking their own lives.
This life-saving trend was seen in states with strict safe a amii storage rules and waiting periods, such as California and Washington, DC.
Do Gun Control Laws Work?
More restrictions on gun control laws are being advocated by the researchers to shield youngsters from high rates of death. A culture of responsible gun ownership, which may help establish an atmosphere that shields children from firearm-involved homicides,’ is what they believe more stringent legislation would do.
Illinois has the 12th-highest rate of gun homicides in the US. Also, in Washington, DC, where 92% of gun deaths are homicides. They are among the states with tougher gun regulations that have been found to have higher rates of firearm homicides than other states in the union.
Current Gun Control Law in the United States
The US’s current gun control laws aren’t reducing the number of killings, according to the researchers. Also, noted that it’s unknown why and that further research in all 50 states is required “to guide future policy decisions.”
Nonetheless, the authors of the study noted that the mandated waiting period, or “cooling period,” allows the applicant time to consider their options and is probably the reason why the current restrictions have decreased suicide rates.
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Alternative Explanations
The researchers also looked at other possible reasons why gun control laws were not found to be inversely related to homicide rates.
These included gun ownership rates. It also found two laws that stated that those with higher levels of gun ownership had higher levels of gun deaths. Also, gun violence prevention programs states with more active gun violence prevention efforts were not the states with lower levels of murder.
Limitations of the Study
The researchers of the study highlight several limitations despite the valuable contribution of this research. These include data limitations. It is based on large grouped data rather than microdata.
This means that types of circumstances around homicides could not be looked at more closely. Also, the complexity of the gun control laws: the laws differ in their extent and efficiency of implementation.
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Implications for Policy
The findings expressed in the study are pertinent for policy-makers who desire to hear the nation’s murder rate decrease.
The researchers therefore contend that it could be more useful to deal with causative socioeconomic factors regarding crime. Also, adopt efficacious community policing models, and enhance health care in addressing mental disorders.
Should Stricter Gun Control Law Be Enforced?
Researchers from Duke University are pleading for stricter gun control regulations in light of the alarming death rates among minors.
They contend that “more restrictive laws would promote a responsible gun ownership culture.” This might lower the number of youth firearm-related homicides, according to a post.
Estimates From the Research
Over 82 million Americans owned a firearm as of last year, representing a 28 percent rise in gun ownership in the US between 1994 and 2023. Because firearm suicide and homicide rates among children are the highest in the country. Also, insufficient study has been done to assess whether current gun regulations are safeguarding children from them, the researchers concentrated on these rates.
Researchers compared the homicide rates of states with and without firearm regulations and restricted access by examining 36 gun laws. Including background checks, on the RAND State Firearm Law Database.
Debate Among Researchers
The conclusions drawn in this study have raised debate among scholars and specialists in the field. There are usually differing opinions and criticisms about the study identifying different flaws in the study. In addition, arguing that other factors were not taken into consideration.
Some people can state that the results have to be explained by the effectiveness of gun control laws, which are claimed to have high death rates among homicides.
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Impact on Public Policy
The results of this study are too closely tied to a more general issue of gun control. This is going to remain a relevant topic for public policy discussions in a few months.
Certain members might reconsider their stance on the bolstering of gun laws in their state. Also, on the other hand, other individuals differ in opinion and opine that other measures should be taken to contain increased homicides.
Inconsistencies With the Gun Control Law
After analyzing 36 various gun regulations, it was found that states with stricter laws had much lower rates of child homicide than those without.
“It was surprising to me that no laws appear to be impacting the rates of homicide in children. Not even safe access,” lead author Krista Haines said, expressing her dismay.
High Death Rates
According to the study, 10,278 youngsters in the US died as a result of firearms between 2009 and 2020. 807 killings were found to have been committed with weapons. Also, 457 with heavy firearms, such as rifles and shotguns, and 9,014 with unidentified weapons.
“Given the high death rates among youngsters in the US. Also, our research demonstrates the need for stricter regulations and restricted access to these firearms,” Haines stated. It’s surprising and depressing.
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