Do Red Flag Laws Save Lives or Reduce Crime?

8 Pages Posted: 27 Jan 2019

See all articles by John R. Lott

John R. Lott

Crime Prevention Research Center

Carlisle E. Moody

College of William and Mary - Department of Economics; Crime Prevention Research Center

Date Written: December 28, 2018

Abstract

Red flag laws had no significant effect on murder, suicide, the number of people killed in mass public shootings, robbery, aggravated assault, or burglary. There is some evidence that rape rates rise. These laws apparently do not save lives.

Keywords: Mass Public Shootings, Red Flag Laws, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, Murder, Violent Crime, Suicide

JEL Classification: K10, K47

Suggested Citation

Lott, John R. and Moody, Carlisle E., Do Red Flag Laws Save Lives or Reduce Crime? (December 28, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3316573 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3316573

John R. Lott (Contact Author)

Crime Prevention Research Center ( email )

PO Box 2293
1100 W Kent Ave
Missoula, MT 59801
United States

Carlisle E. Moody

College of William and Mary - Department of Economics ( email )

Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
United States
757-221-2373 (Phone)
757-221-1175 (Fax)

Crime Prevention Research Center ( email )

Missoula, MT
United States

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