Do Guns Make Us Free?

Do Guns Make Us Free?

Author: Firmin DeBrabander

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2015-01-01

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13: 0300208936

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Possibly the most emotionally charged debate taking place in the United States today centers on the Second Amendment of the Constitution and the rights of citizens to bear arms. In the wake of the Sandy Hook school massacre in Connecticut, the gun rights movement headed by the National Rifle Association appears more intractable than ever in its fight against gun control laws. The core argument of Second Amendment advocates is that the proliferation of firearms is essential to maintaining freedom in America, providing private citizens with a defense against possible government tyranny, and safeguarding all our other rights. But is this argument valid? Do guns indeed make us free? Firmin DeBrabrander examines claims offered in favor of unchecked gun ownership in this insightful and eye-opening analysis, the first philosophical examination of every aspect of a contentious, uniquely American debate. By exposing the contradictions and misinterpretations prevalent in the case presented by gun rights supporters, this provocative volume concludes that an armed society is not a free society but one that ultimately discourages and, in fact, actively hinders democratic participation.


Book Synopsis Do Guns Make Us Free? by : Firmin DeBrabander

Download or read book Do Guns Make Us Free? written by Firmin DeBrabander and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2015-01-01 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Possibly the most emotionally charged debate taking place in the United States today centers on the Second Amendment of the Constitution and the rights of citizens to bear arms. In the wake of the Sandy Hook school massacre in Connecticut, the gun rights movement headed by the National Rifle Association appears more intractable than ever in its fight against gun control laws. The core argument of Second Amendment advocates is that the proliferation of firearms is essential to maintaining freedom in America, providing private citizens with a defense against possible government tyranny, and safeguarding all our other rights. But is this argument valid? Do guns indeed make us free? Firmin DeBrabrander examines claims offered in favor of unchecked gun ownership in this insightful and eye-opening analysis, the first philosophical examination of every aspect of a contentious, uniquely American debate. By exposing the contradictions and misinterpretations prevalent in the case presented by gun rights supporters, this provocative volume concludes that an armed society is not a free society but one that ultimately discourages and, in fact, actively hinders democratic participation.

Firearms and Violence

Firearms and Violence

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2005-01-13

Total Pages: 341

ISBN-13: 0309091241

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For years proposals for gun control and the ownership of firearms have been among the most contentious issues in American politics. For public authorities to make reasonable decisions on these matters, they must take into account facts about the relationship between guns and violence as well as conflicting constitutional claims and divided public opinion. In performing these tasks, legislators need adequate data and research to judge both the effects of firearms on violence and the effects of different violence control policies. Readers of the research literature on firearms may sometimes find themselves unable to distinguish scholarship from advocacy. Given the importance of this issue, there is a pressing need for a clear and unbiased assessment of the existing portfolio of data and research. Firearms and Violence uses conventional standards of science to examine three major themes - firearms and violence, the quality of research, and the quality of data available. The book assesses the strengths and limitations of current databases, examining current research studies on firearm use and the efforts to reduce unjustified firearm use and suggests ways in which they can be improved.


Book Synopsis Firearms and Violence by : National Research Council

Download or read book Firearms and Violence written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2005-01-13 with total page 341 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For years proposals for gun control and the ownership of firearms have been among the most contentious issues in American politics. For public authorities to make reasonable decisions on these matters, they must take into account facts about the relationship between guns and violence as well as conflicting constitutional claims and divided public opinion. In performing these tasks, legislators need adequate data and research to judge both the effects of firearms on violence and the effects of different violence control policies. Readers of the research literature on firearms may sometimes find themselves unable to distinguish scholarship from advocacy. Given the importance of this issue, there is a pressing need for a clear and unbiased assessment of the existing portfolio of data and research. Firearms and Violence uses conventional standards of science to examine three major themes - firearms and violence, the quality of research, and the quality of data available. The book assesses the strengths and limitations of current databases, examining current research studies on firearm use and the efforts to reduce unjustified firearm use and suggests ways in which they can be improved.

Do Guns Make Us Free?

Do Guns Make Us Free?

Author: Firmin DeBrabander

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2015-05-19

Total Pages: 297

ISBN-13: 0300213654

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This study investigates the relationship between gun ownership and democracy, exposing the dubious claims of the NRA and other gun rights supporters. One of the most vital and polarizing debates in American society today concerns the Second Amendment of the Constitution and the rights of citizens to bear arms. The core argument of gun advocates like the National Rifle Association is that the proliferation of firearms is essential to maintaining freedom in America. They contend that access to guns gives private citizens a defense against possible government tyranny, thereby safeguarding all our other rights. But is this argument valid? Do guns indeed make us free? Firmin DeBrabrander examines claims offered in favor of unchecked gun ownership in this insightful and eye-opening analysis. By exposing the contradictions and misinterpretations presented by gun rights supporters, DeBradander concludes that an armed society is not a free society but one that, in fact, actively hinders democratic participation.


Book Synopsis Do Guns Make Us Free? by : Firmin DeBrabander

Download or read book Do Guns Make Us Free? written by Firmin DeBrabander and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2015-05-19 with total page 297 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study investigates the relationship between gun ownership and democracy, exposing the dubious claims of the NRA and other gun rights supporters. One of the most vital and polarizing debates in American society today concerns the Second Amendment of the Constitution and the rights of citizens to bear arms. The core argument of gun advocates like the National Rifle Association is that the proliferation of firearms is essential to maintaining freedom in America. They contend that access to guns gives private citizens a defense against possible government tyranny, thereby safeguarding all our other rights. But is this argument valid? Do guns indeed make us free? Firmin DeBrabrander examines claims offered in favor of unchecked gun ownership in this insightful and eye-opening analysis. By exposing the contradictions and misinterpretations presented by gun rights supporters, DeBradander concludes that an armed society is not a free society but one that, in fact, actively hinders democratic participation.

Debating Gun Control

Debating Gun Control

Author: David DeGrazia

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016-09-16

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 019025128X

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Americans have a deeply ambivalent relationship to guns. The United States leads all nations in rates of private gun ownership, yet stories of gun tragedies frequent the news, spurring calls for tighter gun regulations. The debate tends to be acrimonious and is frequently misinformed and illogical. The central question is the extent to which federal or state governments should regulate gun ownership and use in the interest of public safety. In this volume, David DeGrazia and Lester Hunt examine this policy question primarily from the standpoint of ethics: What would morally defensible gun policy in the United States look like? Hunt's contribution argues that the U.S. Constitution is right to frame the right to possess a firearm as a fundamental human right. The right to arms is in this way like the right to free speech. More precisely, it is like the right to own and possess a cell phone or an internet connection. A government that banned such weapons would be violating the right of citizens to protect themselves. This is a function that governments do not perform: warding off attacks is not the same thing as punishing perpetrators after an attack has happened. Self-protection is a function that citizens must carry out themselves, either by taking passive steps (such as better locks on one's doors) or active ones (such as acquiring a gun and learning to use it safely and effectively). DeGrazia's contribution features a discussion of the Supreme Court cases asserting a constitutional right to bear arms, an analysis of moral rights, and a critique of the strongest arguments for a moral right to private gun ownership. He follows with both a consequentialist case and a rights-based case for moderately extensive gun control, before discussing gun politics and advancing policy suggestions. In debating this important topic, the authors elevate the quality of discussion from the levels that usually prevail in the public arena. DeGrazia and Hunt work in the discipline of academic philosophy, which prizes intellectual honesty, respect for opposing views, command of relevant facts, and rigorous reasoning. They bring the advantages of philosophical analysis to this highly-charged issue in the service of illuminating the strongest possible cases for and against (relatively extensive) gun regulations and whatever common ground may exist between these positions.


Book Synopsis Debating Gun Control by : David DeGrazia

Download or read book Debating Gun Control written by David DeGrazia and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016-09-16 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Americans have a deeply ambivalent relationship to guns. The United States leads all nations in rates of private gun ownership, yet stories of gun tragedies frequent the news, spurring calls for tighter gun regulations. The debate tends to be acrimonious and is frequently misinformed and illogical. The central question is the extent to which federal or state governments should regulate gun ownership and use in the interest of public safety. In this volume, David DeGrazia and Lester Hunt examine this policy question primarily from the standpoint of ethics: What would morally defensible gun policy in the United States look like? Hunt's contribution argues that the U.S. Constitution is right to frame the right to possess a firearm as a fundamental human right. The right to arms is in this way like the right to free speech. More precisely, it is like the right to own and possess a cell phone or an internet connection. A government that banned such weapons would be violating the right of citizens to protect themselves. This is a function that governments do not perform: warding off attacks is not the same thing as punishing perpetrators after an attack has happened. Self-protection is a function that citizens must carry out themselves, either by taking passive steps (such as better locks on one's doors) or active ones (such as acquiring a gun and learning to use it safely and effectively). DeGrazia's contribution features a discussion of the Supreme Court cases asserting a constitutional right to bear arms, an analysis of moral rights, and a critique of the strongest arguments for a moral right to private gun ownership. He follows with both a consequentialist case and a rights-based case for moderately extensive gun control, before discussing gun politics and advancing policy suggestions. In debating this important topic, the authors elevate the quality of discussion from the levels that usually prevail in the public arena. DeGrazia and Hunt work in the discipline of academic philosophy, which prizes intellectual honesty, respect for opposing views, command of relevant facts, and rigorous reasoning. They bring the advantages of philosophical analysis to this highly-charged issue in the service of illuminating the strongest possible cases for and against (relatively extensive) gun regulations and whatever common ground may exist between these positions.

In Defense of Gun Control

In Defense of Gun Control

Author: Hugh LaFollette

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2018-05-31

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0190873396

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The gun control debate is more complex than we often acknowledge. What is often phrased as a single question -- should we have gun control -- Is actually made up of three distinct policy questions. First, who should we permit people to have guns? Second, which guns should be allowed? Thirdly, how should we regulate the acquisition, storage, and carrying of the guns people may legitimately own? To answer these questions we must decide whether (and which) people have a right to bear arms, what kind of right they have, and how stringent that right is. We must also evaluate divergent empirical claims about (a) the role of guns in causing harm, and (b) the degree to which private ownership of guns can protect innocent civilians from attacks by criminals, either in their homes or in public. Hugh LaFollette sorts through the conceptual, moral, and empirical claims to fairly assess arguments for and against serious gun control, and ultimately argues that the US needs far more gun control than we currently have in most jurisdictions.


Book Synopsis In Defense of Gun Control by : Hugh LaFollette

Download or read book In Defense of Gun Control written by Hugh LaFollette and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2018-05-31 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The gun control debate is more complex than we often acknowledge. What is often phrased as a single question -- should we have gun control -- Is actually made up of three distinct policy questions. First, who should we permit people to have guns? Second, which guns should be allowed? Thirdly, how should we regulate the acquisition, storage, and carrying of the guns people may legitimately own? To answer these questions we must decide whether (and which) people have a right to bear arms, what kind of right they have, and how stringent that right is. We must also evaluate divergent empirical claims about (a) the role of guns in causing harm, and (b) the degree to which private ownership of guns can protect innocent civilians from attacks by criminals, either in their homes or in public. Hugh LaFollette sorts through the conceptual, moral, and empirical claims to fairly assess arguments for and against serious gun control, and ultimately argues that the US needs far more gun control than we currently have in most jurisdictions.

More Guns, Less Crime

More Guns, Less Crime

Author: John R Lott

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2000-06-15

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 9780226493640

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Does allowing people to own or carry guns deter violent crime? Or does it simply cause more citizens to harm each other? Directly challenging common perceptions about gun control, legal scholar John Lott presents the most rigorously comprehensive data analysis ever done on crime statistics and right-to-carry laws. This timely and provocative work comes to the startling conclusion: more guns mean less crime. In this paperback edition, Lott has expanded the research through 1996, incorporating new data available from states that passed right-to-carry and other gun laws since the book's publication as well as new city-level statistics. "Lott's pro-gun argument has to be examined on the merits, and its chief merit is lots of data. . . . If you still disagree with Lott, at least you will know what will be required to rebut a case that looks pretty near bulletproof."Peter Coy, Business Week "By providing strong empirical evidence that yet another liberal policy is a cause of the very evil it purports to cure, he has permanently changed the terms of debate on gun control. . . . Lott's book could hardly be more timely. . . . A model of the meticulous application of economics and statistics to law and policy."John O. McGinnis, National Review "His empirical analysis sets a standard that will be difficult to match. . . . This has got to be the most extensive empirical study of crime deterrence that has been done to date." Public Choice "For anyone with an open mind on either side of this subject this book will provide a thorough grounding. It is also likely to be the standard reference on the subject for years to come."Stan Liebowitz, Dallas Morning News "A compelling book with enough hard evidence that even politicians may have to stop and pay attention. More Guns, Less Crimeis an exhaustive analysis of the effect of gun possession on crime rates."James Bovard, Wall Street Journal "John Lott documents how far 'politically correct' vested interests are willing to go to denigrate anyone who dares disagree with them. Lott has done us all a service by his thorough, thoughtful, scholarly approach to a highly controversial issue."Milton Friedman


Book Synopsis More Guns, Less Crime by : John R Lott

Download or read book More Guns, Less Crime written by John R Lott and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2000-06-15 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Does allowing people to own or carry guns deter violent crime? Or does it simply cause more citizens to harm each other? Directly challenging common perceptions about gun control, legal scholar John Lott presents the most rigorously comprehensive data analysis ever done on crime statistics and right-to-carry laws. This timely and provocative work comes to the startling conclusion: more guns mean less crime. In this paperback edition, Lott has expanded the research through 1996, incorporating new data available from states that passed right-to-carry and other gun laws since the book's publication as well as new city-level statistics. "Lott's pro-gun argument has to be examined on the merits, and its chief merit is lots of data. . . . If you still disagree with Lott, at least you will know what will be required to rebut a case that looks pretty near bulletproof."Peter Coy, Business Week "By providing strong empirical evidence that yet another liberal policy is a cause of the very evil it purports to cure, he has permanently changed the terms of debate on gun control. . . . Lott's book could hardly be more timely. . . . A model of the meticulous application of economics and statistics to law and policy."John O. McGinnis, National Review "His empirical analysis sets a standard that will be difficult to match. . . . This has got to be the most extensive empirical study of crime deterrence that has been done to date." Public Choice "For anyone with an open mind on either side of this subject this book will provide a thorough grounding. It is also likely to be the standard reference on the subject for years to come."Stan Liebowitz, Dallas Morning News "A compelling book with enough hard evidence that even politicians may have to stop and pay attention. More Guns, Less Crimeis an exhaustive analysis of the effect of gun possession on crime rates."James Bovard, Wall Street Journal "John Lott documents how far 'politically correct' vested interests are willing to go to denigrate anyone who dares disagree with them. Lott has done us all a service by his thorough, thoughtful, scholarly approach to a highly controversial issue."Milton Friedman

Too Many Rights and Too Many Guns

Too Many Rights and Too Many Guns

Author: Lee Goodman

Publisher:

Published: 2015-04-17

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 9780692387511

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Historically, the rights that individual Americans enjoy have also benefited the country as a whole. But the right to bear arms has become destructive of our society and a threat to all of our other rights. This book examines the ugly pro-slavery and genocidal origins of the Second Amendment and the resentment, anger, and profit motives that fuel today's pro-gun culture. It offers a practical solution to the problem of gun violence. "Lee Goodman provides a sweeping analysis of the history behind the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the rise of the gun culture in the U.S., and the campaign of fear orchestrated by pro-gun lobbies. His challenge is equally bold: Repeal the Second Amendment as the chief obstacle to the development of appropriate gun laws. Read this book. It just might save your life or that of someone you love." - Charles R. Strain, Professor of Religious Studies, DePaul University "Chicago and the nation continue to be under siege with the easy access to guns and the bullying of the NRA. Lee Goodman has been on the front lines trying to help save lives." - Rev. Michael L. Pfleger, Pastor, Faith Community of St. Sabina "Anyone sick and tired of the epidemic of gun violence across America needs to give this book a close read and seriously grapple with its ideas and the call to action for citizens to reclaim control of our democracy." - Ilya Sheyman, Executive Director, MoveOn.org Political Action


Book Synopsis Too Many Rights and Too Many Guns by : Lee Goodman

Download or read book Too Many Rights and Too Many Guns written by Lee Goodman and published by . This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Historically, the rights that individual Americans enjoy have also benefited the country as a whole. But the right to bear arms has become destructive of our society and a threat to all of our other rights. This book examines the ugly pro-slavery and genocidal origins of the Second Amendment and the resentment, anger, and profit motives that fuel today's pro-gun culture. It offers a practical solution to the problem of gun violence. "Lee Goodman provides a sweeping analysis of the history behind the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the rise of the gun culture in the U.S., and the campaign of fear orchestrated by pro-gun lobbies. His challenge is equally bold: Repeal the Second Amendment as the chief obstacle to the development of appropriate gun laws. Read this book. It just might save your life or that of someone you love." - Charles R. Strain, Professor of Religious Studies, DePaul University "Chicago and the nation continue to be under siege with the easy access to guns and the bullying of the NRA. Lee Goodman has been on the front lines trying to help save lives." - Rev. Michael L. Pfleger, Pastor, Faith Community of St. Sabina "Anyone sick and tired of the epidemic of gun violence across America needs to give this book a close read and seriously grapple with its ideas and the call to action for citizens to reclaim control of our democracy." - Ilya Sheyman, Executive Director, MoveOn.org Political Action

The Gun Debate

The Gun Debate

Author: Philip J. Cook

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 0190073462

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"No topic is more polarizing than guns and gun control. From a gun culture that took root early in American history to the mass shootings that repeatedly bring the public discussion of gun control to a fever pitch, the topic has preoccupied citizens, public officials, and special interest groups for decades. The Gun Debate: What Everyone Needs to Know. delves into the issues that Americans debate when they talk about guns. With a balanced and broad-ranging approach, noted economist Philip J. Cook and political scientist Kristin A. Goss thoroughly cover the latest research, data, and developments on gun ownership, gun violence, the firearms industry, and the regulation of firearms. The authors also tackle sensitive issues such as the effectiveness of gun control, the connection between mental illness and violent crime, the question of whether more guns make us safer, and ways that video games and the media might contribute to gun violence. No discussion of guns in the U.S. would be complete without consideration of the history, culture, and politics that drive the passion behind the debate. Cook and Goss deftly explore the origins of the American gun culture and the makeup of both the gun rights and gun control movements. Written in question-and-answer format, this updated edition brings the debate up-to-date for the current political climate under Trump and will help readers make sense of the ideologically driven statistics and slogans that characterize our national conversation on firearms. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in getting a clear view of the issues surrounding guns and gun policy in America"--


Book Synopsis The Gun Debate by : Philip J. Cook

Download or read book The Gun Debate written by Philip J. Cook and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2020 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "No topic is more polarizing than guns and gun control. From a gun culture that took root early in American history to the mass shootings that repeatedly bring the public discussion of gun control to a fever pitch, the topic has preoccupied citizens, public officials, and special interest groups for decades. The Gun Debate: What Everyone Needs to Know. delves into the issues that Americans debate when they talk about guns. With a balanced and broad-ranging approach, noted economist Philip J. Cook and political scientist Kristin A. Goss thoroughly cover the latest research, data, and developments on gun ownership, gun violence, the firearms industry, and the regulation of firearms. The authors also tackle sensitive issues such as the effectiveness of gun control, the connection between mental illness and violent crime, the question of whether more guns make us safer, and ways that video games and the media might contribute to gun violence. No discussion of guns in the U.S. would be complete without consideration of the history, culture, and politics that drive the passion behind the debate. Cook and Goss deftly explore the origins of the American gun culture and the makeup of both the gun rights and gun control movements. Written in question-and-answer format, this updated edition brings the debate up-to-date for the current political climate under Trump and will help readers make sense of the ideologically driven statistics and slogans that characterize our national conversation on firearms. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in getting a clear view of the issues surrounding guns and gun policy in America"--

Guns in America

Guns in America

Author: Jan E. Dizard

Publisher: NYU Press

Published: 1999-04

Total Pages: 527

ISBN-13: 0814718795

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Documenting and analyzing the history of firearms in America, this book explores various aspects of gun manufacture, ownership and use - and the cultural and political implications which this history reveals. It presents a diverse array of writings which range from Puritan sermons to NRA documents.


Book Synopsis Guns in America by : Jan E. Dizard

Download or read book Guns in America written by Jan E. Dizard and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 1999-04 with total page 527 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Documenting and analyzing the history of firearms in America, this book explores various aspects of gun manufacture, ownership and use - and the cultural and political implications which this history reveals. It presents a diverse array of writings which range from Puritan sermons to NRA documents.

Guns in American Society [3 volumes]

Guns in American Society [3 volumes]

Author: Gregg Lee Carter

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2012-05-04

Total Pages: 1195

ISBN-13: 0313386714

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Thoroughly updated and greatly expanded from its original edition, this three-volume set is the go-to comprehensive resource on the legal, social, psychological, political, and public health aspects of guns in American life. The landmark 2002 edition of Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law was acclaimed for helping readers get beyond the sometimes overheated rhetoric and navigate the overwhelming amount of unbiased academic research on gun-related issues. Now, in light of the steady rate of gun violence and several high-profile shooting incidents, this extraordinary three-volume work returns in a timely and thoroughly updated edition. With over 100 new entries, the latest edition of Guns in American Society is the most current resource available on all aspects of the gun issue, including rates of violence, gun control, gun rights, regulations and legislation, court decisions, pro- and anti-gun organizations, gun ownership, hunters and collectors, public opinion toward guns, and much more. With expert contributions from the fields of criminology, history, law, medicine, politics, and social science, it gives students, journalists, policymakers, and researchers a foundation for their own investigations, while helping readers of all kinds make decisions as family members, potential gun owners, and voters.


Book Synopsis Guns in American Society [3 volumes] by : Gregg Lee Carter

Download or read book Guns in American Society [3 volumes] written by Gregg Lee Carter and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2012-05-04 with total page 1195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thoroughly updated and greatly expanded from its original edition, this three-volume set is the go-to comprehensive resource on the legal, social, psychological, political, and public health aspects of guns in American life. The landmark 2002 edition of Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law was acclaimed for helping readers get beyond the sometimes overheated rhetoric and navigate the overwhelming amount of unbiased academic research on gun-related issues. Now, in light of the steady rate of gun violence and several high-profile shooting incidents, this extraordinary three-volume work returns in a timely and thoroughly updated edition. With over 100 new entries, the latest edition of Guns in American Society is the most current resource available on all aspects of the gun issue, including rates of violence, gun control, gun rights, regulations and legislation, court decisions, pro- and anti-gun organizations, gun ownership, hunters and collectors, public opinion toward guns, and much more. With expert contributions from the fields of criminology, history, law, medicine, politics, and social science, it gives students, journalists, policymakers, and researchers a foundation for their own investigations, while helping readers of all kinds make decisions as family members, potential gun owners, and voters.