CC444
Guns, Crimes, and the Law
0.5 Credit

This course examines a series of criminological and legal issues related to firearms in comparative context. In particular, it explores different models of gun control in Canada and other countries. Students will learn about the role of guns played in history and modern societies, their benefits and costs: hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, military and criminal use. Students will also explore various forms of gun-related violence including mass-shootings, assault and robbery, gang violence, domestic gun violence and police use of deadly force. The course also explores legal issues of self-defence using firearms and punishment for gun crimes. Students will study law enforcement efforts in gun violence prevention and public opinion on gun control policies. The goal of the course is not only to teach the gun crimes and gun control, but to challenge students’ interpretations and assumptions about them.