THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUN-CONTROL LAWS - MULTIVARIATE STATISTIC ANALYSIS

The purpose of this study is to statistically and empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the gun control laws that have been adopted by s tates and municipalities. States are divided into two groups: states w ith no restrictions as to gun use and states with restrictions (e.g., waiting periods, license, etc.). Mul tiple linear regression models ar e used to evaluate the relationship between the number of gun related deaths in 1990 and sets of determinants which include state laws and r egulations governing the use of firearms. The study results indicate t hat gun control laws have a very mild effect on the number of gun rela ted deaths while socioeconomic variables such as a state's poverty lev el, unemployment rate and alcohol consumption, have significant impact on firearm related deaths, These findings suggest that any reduction in resources spent on social programs tied to the Crime Bill may be co unter-productive.