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What we do and don’t know about how to prevent gun violence

Lack of research makes it hard to determine laws’ effect on saving lives

person pointing a gun

JUMP THE GUN  Arguments about which gun laws might reduce gun violence are hard to settle, given how little research there is on gun policy effectiveness, but a new study has some answers.

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By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

In the fraught days following a mass shooting, people often ask if an assault weapons ban or allowing concealed carry permits would reduce the likelihood of further violence.