Does private gun ownership cause a higher murder rate?

Question

In America. The UK has a much higher overall crime rate, but our murder rate is about a fith of Americas. Is it the availability of guns that causes the difference?

fedup, in the UK most criminals don't have gun, so that hackneyed old saying is cr*p.

http://www.gun-control-network.org/GF01.htm

Most of you don't think it's odd that a more violent and criminal society (UK) has a much lower homicide rate, and the only real difference is the availability of hand guns. Whenever the private ownership of guns is questioned someone always spouts 'only outlaws will have guns', but in the UK I'd be stunned if a mugger or burglar was carrying a gun. It's not part of the usual criminal toolkit, because they aren't just floating around in solid citizens' homes, waiting to be stolen.

It's a lot harder to kill someone if you aren't using a gun. A knife brings you within arms reach, and so do most blunt objects. Guns make it easier for criminals to do what they want, with less personal risk.

The Swiss have access to firearms, but they are military assault weapons that have to be locked up securely, and all ammo accounted for. And they're Swiss, and generally not a criminal bunch.

Answer 1

Let's take two examples;

Kinshasa - almost everyone is armed and the murder rate is the highest in the world.

Switzerand - very few private firearms, very low murder rate.

Now these examples don't necessarily definitively prove anything. but they give lie to the idea that good order and governance is assisted by high private ownership of weapons.

Every society has criminals, lunatics and the simply unstable.
In some societies, they have easy access to assault weapons and other firearms. In others, they don't.

The stats speak for themselves and every multiple killing by a disgruntled employee; student or psycopath shows what lax gun laws leads to.

Answer 2

I would say responsible private ownership of guns does not but many times accidents can happen when people are careless.
A higher crime rate happens when criminals are not convicted and laws are too lenient.
Owning or not owning a gun by itself does not cause a higher crime rate, there are several other factors that have to be taken in consideration when determining thecause of a high crime rate.

Answer 3

I own between 12 and 24 guns and well over 25,000 rounds of ammo and not a single one of my guns have killed anyone. Well OK, one may have but that was only when it was owned and carried by a police officer so I'd have to say no and that it prevents murder in many cases.

Here's a fact for you, there are more accidental deaths by doctors than there are gun deaths in the US. I know it sounds crazy but it's the truth.

Answer 4

No, it is people who are criminals who commit murder. Whatever weapons are available are what will be used. Private gun ownership comes with responsibilities but provides one's protection in case of assault. Murdering a criminal who means to do harm to innocent people is justice, not a crime.

Answer 5

What is the ratio of drugs and alcohal? The age groups and ratios of sexes may make a differance. I personally think the drunk driving rate makes a big differance. I dont think it has alot to do with a gun, because if someone is going to kill they will find a way.

Answer 6

you're making sturdy factors, not something i might argue with, -however the variety of element your "standard Joe" isn't meant to evaluate. the reason of many crime is the inequalities between human beings, in spite of any temporary, or perhaps long term "undesirable financial equipment". You nicely show what's in the back of the yank equipment of justice, -and that's not something to do with practicalities for the terrific, for uncomplicated human beings, yet an enforcement of a standing quo, which quantities to slavery, ....and we could constantly not ignore a considered necessary element, it relatively is that prisons interior the U. S. are often run as government contracts, not actually by potential of the government, so the extra prisoners, the extra the income for those government contractors who "look after" the prisoners. those self same contractors oftentimes additionally income from conflict, -so for them the extra prisoners the extra ideal, and additionally for wars. -and it truly is those styles of human beings who're working the coach, way extra advantageous than any President, or social gathering does

Answer 7

I'm not sure if it's gun ownership or if it's just the ability to get a gun fast and illegally.

I don't like guns, but I don't care if people want to have them ... although I still kind of wonder why anyone would want to own an assault rifle.

Answer 8

Without any doubt, private gun ownership is the biggest factor in gun-deaths in the US. But many times more people in the US die from self-inflicted (accidental or deliberate) and spouse-inflicted gunshot wounds than do "intruders". Fully 52% of gun-deaths in the US are suicides. So one could hardly argue that was a "higher murder rate", 'cos that's SELF-murder!

Answer 9

Actually studies have shown otherwise.
In states that have liberal gun laws and offer concealed carry permits the violet crime rate drops drastically.

Answer 10

u expecting someone to do your homework for you... Have you considered the fact that over 90% of murders in the UK are motivated in one way or other. Whereas in the US, its somthing like 50%.....