The Mysterious Gun Study That’s Advancing Gun Rights
Jun 20, 2024
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Mike McIntire, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, dives into a controversial study that's reshaping the legal landscape of gun rights in America. He reveals how this research, linked to pro-gun interests, is leveraged by activists to challenge gun regulations. The discussion highlights recent legal victories, scrutinizes the study's methodology, and explores the mysterious figure behind it, Dr. William English. McIntire also touches on broader implications for future gun rights research and its visibility in ongoing legal battles.
The Supreme Court ruling in NY State Rifle vs. Bruin set precedent for carrying firearms outside the home.
Professor English's gun study influenced pro-gun legal wins but faced scrutiny over transparency.
Deep dives
Impact of Bruin Supreme Court Decision on Gun Litigation
The Supreme Court decision in the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association versus Bruin case in 2022 revolutionized firearms litigation by establishing a Second Amendment right to carry firearms outside the home and a new test for assessing gun restrictions. This decision sparked a surge of lawsuits across the country challenging gun laws, resulting in significant legal victories for pro-gun groups.
The Bill English Gun Owners Survey
Professor William English's 2021 survey of over 16,000 gun owners revealed key insights, including that firearms were reportedly used for self-defense around 1.7 million times annually. The study highlighted the popularity of AR-15 rifles and high-capacity magazines among gun owners, aligning with the gun lobby's litigation goals by reinforcing the common use of semi-automatic weapons for self-defense.
Transparency Issues and Funding Concerns
Questions surrounding Dr. English's study arose due to lack of transparency in survey methodology and funding sources. Dr. English's ties to pro-gun interests, including serving as a paid expert witness for pro-gun plaintiffs, raised concerns about the credibility and impartiality of the research. The study's influence in legal proceedings and Supreme Court cases underscored the impact of undisclosed funding on shaping gun laws and legal arguments.
In the battle to dismantle gun restrictions, raging in America’s courts even as mass shootings become commonplace, a Times’ investigation has found that one study has been deployed by gun rights activists to notch legal victories with far-reaching consequences.
Mike McIntire, an investigative reporter for The Times, discusses the study and the person behind it.
Guest: Mike McIntire, an investigative reporter at The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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