Date of Conferral

8-23-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

James Beeks, Sr.

Abstract

It is not known whether gun death rates vary with the implementation of Stand Your Ground (SYG) laws in Alabama. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine differences in the rate of gun deaths in Alabama since the implementation of SYG laws. Policy feedback theory (PFT) served as a foundational framework and a lens to interpret the research findings. The study was to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in the firearm homicide rates in all 67 counties in Alabama after SYG implementation, and if there is a statistically significant difference in the firearm homicide rates in Jefferson and Madison counties after SYG implementation. The study used a quasi-experimental design and independent measures design, leveraging the census sampling method. Data on firearm homicide rates were sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER database. Two statistical procedures were used to answer the research questions: a paired samples t test and an independent samples t test. There was no statistically significant change in the firearm homicide rates for all counties following the implementation of the SYG law. There was a statistically significant difference in firearm homicide rates between Jefferson and Madison counties after the implementation of SYG law for homicides by handgun discharge and homicides by other and unspecified firearm discharge, but not for homicides by rifle, shotgun, and larger firearm discharge. This study has advanced PFT by applying it in the context of SYG and firearm homicide rates. Policymakers may promote positive social change by reconsidering the efficacy of SYG laws and law enforcement agencies can use the results of this study to tailor their approaches to gun violence prevention.

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