The effect of firearm restrictions on gun-related homicides across US states

Abstract

The Newtown massacre has raised the issue of gun violence to a fever pitch. While several states have responded with tough new controls on firearms, most states have loosened restrictions. This study explores what effect such changes might have on gun-related homicides in the United States. The results, based on panel data for the 50 states over the 2007–2010 period and estimated under several alternative model specifications, suggest that looser restrictions will likely do little to lessen the incidence of gun deaths but that tighter restrictions may produce a modest reduction in firearm fatalities.

Keywords:

• gun control
• Second Amendment
• gun homicides
• Brady Campaign

JEL Classification:

• K14
• H00