Principles for Effective Gun Control

32 Pages Posted: 22 Nov 2004

See all articles by Philip J. Cook

Philip J. Cook

Duke University - Sanford School of Public Policy; Duke University, Dept. of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Jens Ludwig

Georgetown University - Public Policy Institute (GPPI); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Abstract

We review the evidence pertinent to judging the effectiveness of policies to reduce the use of firearms in crime. One goal is to correct popular misconceptions based on such sources as bumper-strip slogans ("Guns don't kill people, people kill people") and Michael Moore's documentary Bowling for Columbine. A second goal is to describe an evidence-based approach to firearms policy. We conclude that a promising strategy for reducing gun violence is to make guns a legal liability to criminals, a goal that can be furthered through a variety of both regulatory and law-enforcement tactics. Furthermore, while existing "supply side" regulations on gun transfers (what most people mean by "gun control") do not appear to have had much effect, several innovative approaches to shrinking the illicit market are worth serious consideration.

Suggested Citation

Cook, Philip J. and Ludwig, Jens, Principles for Effective Gun Control. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=624122

Philip J. Cook (Contact Author)

Duke University - Sanford School of Public Policy ( email )

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Duke University, Dept. of Economics

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Jens Ludwig

Georgetown University - Public Policy Institute (GPPI) ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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Germany

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