ABSTRACT
The chief focus of the national gun debate centers on the criminological consequences of guns in society. On a per capita basis, Americans own more guns by far than any other modern democratic nation. This chapter examines the impact of guns in relation to the harm firearms pose in the realms of homicide, suicide, and accident by drawing on the extensive literature in areas including criminology, history, medicine, and public health. The chapter also explores the debate over the use of guns for self-defense, escalating concerns about the role of gun violence in public schools, the spread of state laws allowing civilian gun carrying on college campuses, and the continuing debate over expanded “stand your ground” laws that protect individuals who choose to “stand their ground” in public places to defend themselves rather than be obliged to seek safe retreat.
