National Experiences with Firearms Regulation:  Evaluating the Implications for Public Safety

by Gary A. Mauser

Abstract:

Politicians promise that tightening up on firearm regulations will make society safer by reducing criminal violence and even suicide rates. This brief review of countries in the British Commonwealth shows that recently introduced firearm legislation has failed to reduce either violent crime rates or suicide rates in any of these countries. If the goal is to improve public safety, governments are urged to seek more effective approaches.