A game theoretic analysis of interactions between law abiding citizens and criminals with respect to ownership of guns

Author: Correa, Hector
Publication: Socio-Economic Planning Sciences
Topics: Accidents/Unintentional Crime Ownership Self-defense Gun Use/Deterrence
Keywords: CRIMINALS EQUILIBRIUM FIREARMS ownership GAME theory SOCIETIES
Bibliographic information +

The author conducted a theoretical analysis of interactions between law abiding citizens (LACs) and criminals, assuming these are mutually exclusive categories. LACs will increase their ownership of guns if the risk of victimization by criminals and the protection provided by guns increases, but their ownership will decrease if the risk of accidental injuries increases. Criminals will behave similarly with respect to gun ownership among LACs, gun protection, and risk of accidental injuries.