The Impact of "Shall-Issue" Concealed Handgun Laws on Violent Crime Rates: Evidence From Panel Data for Large Urban Cities

Author: Kovandzic, Tomislav V. / Marvell, Thomas B. / Vieraitis, Lynne M.
Publication: Homicide Studies
Topics: Crime Legislation and Policy Local Self-defense Gun Use/Deterrence Urban/Rural
Keywords: CRIME CRIMINAL law SAFETY regulations UNITED States shall issue laws
Bibliographic information +

The authors examine the effects of shall issue laws on violent crime rates, 1980-2000, in US cities with populations greater than 100,000 (i.e., the effect of making it easier for residents to obtain permits to carry concealed handguns). This study differs from prior work in the methodology used and is a sophisticated assessment of the effect of shall issue laws. The results suggest that there is no deterrent effect of these laws on violent crime.