John Lott holds a PhD in Economics and teaches criminal deterrence, law and economics at the University of Chicago. Lott is a well-respected author, having published over seventy articles in academic journals. In his first book More Guns, Less Crime, Lott discusses the relationship between the deterrence of crime and the right of the average citizen to carry concealed weapons, especially handguns. He clearly identifies the problem and purpose of his book through the title, which states the connection between guns and crime, the two variables that are investigated throughout the book. Lott is clearly in favor of the right to carry concealed weapons and through his extensive findings and research he believes he is able to prove that weapons in the hands of the average citizen are the most effective method for reducing violent crime. The information and research that the book contains, supports the concept that more guns can deter many crimes such as larceny, armed robbery, and even rape. Lott makes a very strong case but since his theories are so new and controversial, it appears that more studies need to be done in this area. .
Summary.
Lott has completed extensive research to disprove many of the commonly held ideas about concealed handguns. For instance, it is widely believed that ability, legally or illegally; to possess concealed handguns is directly connected with increased rates of murder, rape, and robberies. Lott discounts this philosophy as he develops a theory that more guns will in fact decrease crime rates. He supports his hypothesis further, by presenting data that shows programs such as gun buybacks, waiting periods and background checks for purchasers have resulted in no measurable improvements in crime reduction. Lott's data suggests these are not only expensive and time consuming ideas, but completely ineffective. .
Lott illustrates his thesis by using examples of mass public shootings such as the public shooting of six people in 1993 at the Long Island Railroad (p.
