NCJ Number
153747
Date Published
1993
Length
98 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the proposals to ban assault weapons concludes that rhetoric and legislation targeting this virtually undefinable type of weapons is the politician's equivalent of the trend toward political correctness among leftist academics in that it represents a soothing substitute for real distinctions and hard decisions.
Abstract
The proposals do not clearly state what types of weapons will be banned under this proposal. Automatic weapons (machine guns) have already been banned. California's prohibition, the model upon which nearly all bills are based, is proving unenforceable. The ban is likely to have negligible impact in disarming offenders or aiding law enforcement, because assault weapons are involved in only about 1 percent of gun crime. An underground market will subvert the ban in any case. Moreover, public opinion is based on misinformation by the media and lobby groups. Furthermore, the ban would erode the Federal Bill of Rights and many State constitutions. Lawmakers can protect public safety more effectively through better enforcement of existing gun laws, more resources for corrections, and a tougher approach to probation and parole. The entertainment industry should stop glorifying gun violence. Figures and reference notes