Self-Defense Against Gun Suicide

Abstract

Nearly 20,000 Americans each year commit suicide using a gun. Many would survive if it were more difficult to obtain the gun. The proposal here is not gun control, but self control. Specifically, this article proposes allowing individuals to confidentially put their names into the existing federal background check system and thereby to prevent their own future firearm purchases. Empowering people to restrict their own access to guns has the potential to save many lives, is supported by other self-binding regimes, and poses no serious constitutional concerns.

Keywords: Suicide, Firearms, Ulysses, Second Amendment