Citation

Chicoine LE. J. Econ. Geogr. 2017; 17(4): 825-856.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jeg/lbw031

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The year following the expiration of the U.S. Assault Weapons Ban (AWB), the homicide rate in Mexico increased for the first time in a decade. A difference-in-discontinuities model and a unique dataset are used to compare discontinuities generated by close mayoral elections on either side of the AWB expiration. The model finds a statistically significant increase in the firearm homicide rate following the expiration of the AWB. This effect is larger closer to the U.S.-Mexico border, is isolated to the timing of the expiration, and there is no evidence of a concurrent increase in non-firearm homicides or other violent crime.

Language: en