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Effectiveness of Firearm Restriction, Background Checks, and Licensing Laws in Reducing Gun Violence

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  • April M. Zeoli
  • Alexander D. Mccourt
  • Jennifer K. Paruk

Abstract

We present the rationale behind four types of laws that restrict access to firearms for those who are deemed to be a high risk for future gun violence and two types of laws that implement firearm purchase prohibitions. We also present evidence on the effectiveness of these laws. Broadly, these are laws that restrict access for domestic violence abusers, individuals convicted of misdemeanor violence, and individuals at high risk of violence against themselves or others. We briefly discuss relinquishment of firearms by those who are newly restricted, but we focus mainly on how purchase restrictions are implemented by the federal government and across states. Extant research shows that well-implemented firearm policy that is based on evidence-based risk factors can be effective in reducing firearm injury.

Suggested Citation

  • April M. Zeoli & Alexander D. Mccourt & Jennifer K. Paruk, 2022. "Effectiveness of Firearm Restriction, Background Checks, and Licensing Laws in Reducing Gun Violence," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 704(1), pages 118-136, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:704:y:2022:i:1:p:118-136
    DOI: 10.1177/00027162231165149
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rudolph, K.E. & Stuart, E.A. & Vernick, J.S. & Webster, D.W., 2015. "Association between Connecticut's permit-to-purchase handgun law and homicides," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(8), pages 49-54.
    2. Wright, M.A. & Wintemute, G.J. & Rivara, F.P., 1999. "Effectiveness of denial of handgun purchase to persons believed to be at high risk for firearm violence," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(1), pages 88-90.
    3. Wintemute, G.J. & Frattaroli, S. & Claire, B.E. & Vittes, K.A. & Webster, D.W., 2014. "Identifying armed respondents to domestic violence restraining orders and recovering their firearms: Process evaluation of an initiative in California," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(2), pages 113-118.
    4. Kerri M. Raissian, 2016. "Hold Your Fire: Did the 1996 Federal Gun Control Act Expansion Reduce Domestic Homicides?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(1), pages 67-93, January.
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