EFFECT OF MASSACHUSETTS' GUN CONTROL LAW ON GUN-RELATED CRIMES IN THE CITY OF BOSTON

• NCJ Number: 44026
• Journal: EVALUATION QUARTERLY Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1977) Pages: 543-568
• Author(s): S J Deutsch; F B Alt
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 26 pages
• Grant Number(s): 75-NI-99-0091
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

THE IMPACT OF A STATE LAW IMPOSING A MANDATORY 1-YEAR MINIMUM SENTENCE FOR CARRYING A FIREARM WITHOUT A LICENSE ON THE INCIDENCE OF HOMICIDE, ASSAULT WITH A GUN, AND ARMED ROBBERY IN BOSTON IS ASSESSED.

Abstract

THE MASSACHUSETTS' GUN CONTROL LAW WAS FORMALLY PLACED IN OPERATION IN APRIL 1975. THE BOSTON DATA ARE ANALYZED FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1966 TO OCTOBER 1975. THE ANALYSIS INDICATES A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN ARMED ROBBERY AND ASSAULT WITH A GUN, BUT NOT IN HOMICIDE, DURING THE TIME PERIOD EXAMINED. THE ANALYSIS ALSO SUGGESTS A PROBABLE DIRECT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE DECREASES AND THE INTRODUCTION AND ENACTMENT OF THE LAW. FOR ARMED ROBBERY, A 27 PERCENT DECREASE WAS SEEN IN THE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PASSAGE OF THE GUN CONTROL LAW. METHODOLOGICAL DETAILS, SUPPORTING DATA, AND A LIST OF REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED.