Gun Violence: An Examination of Alabama's Open Carry Gun Law

Date of Conferral

11-7-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Hilda Shepeard

Abstract

Researchers do not know to what extent Alabama’s open carry law has affected the number of gun deaths in Alabama. The purpose of this quantitative study was to provide an enhancement to the existing body of information related to firearm deaths by providing a statistically-based perspective of the open carry statute in the five most populated Alabama counties of Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, and Shelby. The research questions focused on the potential difference in overall number of gun-related deaths after Alabama’s open carry law implementation. Using Beccaria’s rational choice theory, an independent samples t test and linear regression models were used to examine effects on firearm-related mortality rates and gun-related death classifications (homicide, suicide, accidental, and legal intervention) using pre- and post-open carry public health data. Firearm-related death criterion sampling was used from the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics database between 2007 and 2019. A statistically significant rise in overall gun related deaths (Mdiff -8.120; p = .0001) was observed during the open carry legislative period. Male, White, or Black characteristics remained unchanged. Demographically, age and homicide death classifications differed from pre-open carry time periods significantly, contributing to model variances. Being female of any race or age was not a significant predictor during either period. This study creates positive social change by providing Alabama policymakers information when evaluating the effects of this 2013 open carry legislative change on gun-related violence, noting that liberalization of open gun carry legislation has had a detrimental social effect and is worthy of further policy evaluation.

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