The efficacy of gun controls

Thesis (M.A., Economics) -- California State University, Sacramento, 2013.Guns are used in the commission of many violent crimes and gun controls are the legislative attempt to reduce crimes by reducing access to guns. Crime has a significantly negative effect on the economic productivity of high crime areas and diminishes human capital. This study measures the efficacy of gun controls in reducing firearm homicide rates for years 2007-2011 using state level data. An index created by the Brady Campaign is used to reflect the totality of gun control legislation in each state. Evidence is found that not only are gun controls ineffective in reducing the firearm homicide rate, but may actually increase it. Due to possible endogeneity, future research should verify these results with instrumental variables.Economic