NCJ Number
183196
Date Published
December 1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Three major areas of conduct by the firearms industry must be thoroughly addressed if a settlement of lawsuits filed by major cities is to succeed in having a significant effect in reducing gun violence.
Abstract
The first area is to stop developing handguns and other firearms with increasing lethality, the second area is to stop the manufacture and sale of banned products such as assault weapons, and the third area is to be accountable for product defects. With respect to gun industry distribution methods, firearms manufacturers should stop selling to non-storefront dealers, establish systems to identify "bad apple" dealers, ensure dealers are in compliance with Federal and local laws, and stop marketing practices that target vulnerable populations. The key to the success of any settlement involving the gun industry will be the continuing existence of an effective and vigorous Federal enforcement mechanism. 5 footnotes and 4 figures