This work provides readers with an authoritative resource for understanding the true extent and nature of gun violence in America, examining the veracity of claims and counterclaims about mass shootings, gun laws, and public attitudes about gun control.

This work is part of a series that uses evidence-based documentation to examine the veracity of claims and beliefs about high-profile issues in American culture and politics. Each book in the Contemporary Debates series is intended to puncture rather than perpetuate myths that diminish our understanding of important policies and positions; to provide needed context for misleading statements and claims; and to confirm the factual accuracy of other assertions.

This particular volume examines beliefs, claims, and myths about gun violence, gun laws, and gun rights in the United States. Issues covered in the book include trends in firearm violence, mass shootings, the impact of gun ownership on rates and types of crime, regulations and Supreme Court decisions regarding gun control and the Second Amendment, and the activities and influence of organizations ranging from the National Rifle Association to Everytown for Gun Safety. All of these topics are examined in individualized entries, with objective responses grounded in up-to-date evidence.

Table of Contents:

How to Use This Book
Introduction
1Guns, Crime, and Crime Prevention
Q1.Does violent gun crime increase with increases in the availability of firearms?
Q2. Do criminals have a preference for certain firearms over others?
Q3. Does the "gun show loophole" substantially contribute to violent crime?
Q4. Do current gun registration laws reduce violent crime and help apprehend violent criminals?
Q5. Do ballistic fingerprinting and microstamping techniques currently in use help police solve gun crimes?
Q6. Would a ban on "assault-style" rifles help prevent or reduce violent crime?
2Guns and Personal Safety
Q7. Does gun ownership and having a gun in the home increase personal safety?
Q8. Does mandatory gun safety training reduce gun accidents and suicides?
Q9. Do mandatory safe storage laws reduce accidental shootings and suicides?
Q10. Do "stand your ground" laws increase an individual's personal safety?
Q11. Do "red flag laws"/extreme risk orders increase domestic and family safety?
3Guns and Societal Safety
Q12. Is gun violence increasing in America?
Q13. Are the police in favor of armed citizens?
Q14. Can implementing "smart gun" technology make society safer?
Q15. Would banning "bump" stocks and large-capacity magazines (LCMs) reduce shooting casualties?
Q16. Can a comprehensive database on gun sales reduce gun violence?
Q17. Would mandatory gun liability insurance decrease gun violence?
Q18. Do gun control regulations increase the safety of minority group communities?
4Guns and School Safety
Q19. Are school shootings increasing in America?
Q20. Does intensive media coverage inspire school shootings?
Q21. Does allowing guns on college campuses increase campus gun violence?
Q22. Are current gun regulations effective in preventing school shootings?
Q23. Does designating schools as "gun free" zones increase school safety?
Q24. Does arming willing teachers and school staff increase school safety?
5Guns and the Law
Q25. Are American gun laws laxly enforced?
Q26. Do harsher sentencing penalties reduce gun violence?
Q27. Does the Heller interpretation of the Second Amendment make the country less safe?
Q28. Does allowing "watch list" individuals to buy guns reduce general safety?
Q29. Does the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement increase gun violence?
6Guns, Drugs, and Mental Illness
Q30. Would relaxing current drug laws reduce gang-related gun violence?
Q31. Do psychotropic drugs increase the likelihood of gun violence?
Q32. Would prohibiting the mentally ill from owning guns reduce gun violence?
Q33. Do purchase waiting periods reduce gun suicides and impulse killings?
7Guns and Civil Societies: Acceptable Social Contracts
Q34.Do Western democracies with strict gun control regulations have less violent crime?
Q35.Does modern entertainment contribute to societal gun violence?
Q36.Do political, racial, and ethnic extremists contribute disproportionately to gun violence?
Q37.Is modern America more violent than America in past years?
Index