Citation

Jung RS, Jason LA. Am. J. Community Psychol. 1988; 16(4): 515-524.

Affiliation

Psychology Department, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3189235

Abstract

Two gun control laws designed to reduce different types of violent crimes were evaluated. In 1981, East St. Louis, IL, imposed stricter penalties for individuals who carry firearms outside their homes for protection (individuals could keep firearms in their homes). This law had only a temporary impact in reducing firearm use in assaults and robberies. In Evanston, IL, a slightly different approach was taken with legislation that banned handguns in the entire city (i.e., individuals could not keep handguns within their homes). A temporary reduction in firearm assaults occurred a few months before the gun law took effect. The implications of these findings are discussed.