Do Strict Gun Control Laws Reduce the Number of Homicides in U.S.?
Do Strict Gun Control Laws Reduce the Number of Homicides in U.S.?
People fight for stricter gun control laws in order to minimize crime rates. There is no evidence to support this claim, but it is a strongly held perception amongst people. Citizens believe that if there are stringent laws on gun ownership then there will be fewer deaths. However, in reality this will only reduce the deaths resulting from gun shots. Criminals do not just use guns in order to create havoc; rather they have several other ways to break laws and get involved in illegal acts. The idea of gun control and crime rates is a controversial concept; hence, other variables need to be examined alongside to understand the impact of gun control on homicide rates.
If strict gun control laws are passed then the chances of people possessing, a weapon would reduce. However, it does mean that people would be owners of weapons through a legal procedure. This would ensure that people who are owners of these guns are not going to cause harm to others. Criminals, on the other hand may possess arms and ammunition through illegal means. If criminals are aware of people possessing a weapon as a form of self-defense this would discourage them to attack people out of fear of the consequences (Francis). Gun ownership may reduce crime and homicide rates, but criminals have other methods to kill people. Areas where crime rates are high may be investigated, and all illegal weapons should be ceased by the authorities. This would instill fear within the criminals that their area is under supervision; hence, reduce homicide rates. However, the police need to do regular checks so that the fear of someone watching over them is strongly instilled in the criminals.
Violent areas of the United States have strict laws against gun ownership, yet crime rates are high in these areas (Gerbis). The major reason for this is that criminals have other ways of causing harm to people apart from gun shots. The other methods may include; stabbing to death, poisoning, strangle etc. There is no evidence to prove that high rates of gun ownership may result in greater rates of homicide. People may possess guns as a means of self-defense and may never cause harm to any person in reality. Similarly, passing strict gun control laws also does not ensure a reduction in people being killed as a result of shooting (Cawley, 2013). People are still being shot in the urban and rural areas regardless of the numerous laws that have been passed in support of gun control. Along with this there are no standard measurements to measure the relationship between gun control laws, gun ownership, and homicide. If the government eases gun control laws then homicide rates may be reduced as people would be well-equipped in terms of self-defense.
Keeping into consideration the above arguments it may be concluded that gun control laws do not mean fewer homicides. People would possess weapons nonetheless and illegal possession may increase, as a result. Criminals have a way to everything, thus, they may devise ways to keep arms and ammunition under cover. Regardless, of the vigilance of the police forces there would be people who are able to escape through the net. As long as arms and ammunition are sold they would be bought. Along with this, people would be shot as a result of enmities and for other reasons.
References
Francis, D. R. (n.d.). Fewer Guns Mean Fewer Gun Homicides. Fewer Guns Mean Fewer Gun Homicides. Retrieved March 19, 2014, from http://www.nber.org/digest/feb01/w7967.html
Gerbis, N. (n.d.). Do countries with stricter gun laws really have less crime or fewer homicides?. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved March 19, 2014, from http://people.howstuffworks.com/strict-gun-laws-less-crime2.htm
Cawley, M. (2013, September 4). Do Stricter Gun Laws Reduce Gun Violence in Latin America? - InSight Crime | Organized Crime in the Americas. Do Stricter Gun Laws Reduce Gun Violence in Latin America? - InSight Crime | Organized Crime in the Americas. Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/does-strict-gun-legislation-reduce-violent-crime-in-latam
