Mendez Duran

A controversial issue in society is the legalization of the carrying or possession of firearms by civilians. The impact of firearms is most easily seen in conflict and crime by the magnitude of homicides and other violent deaths. However, there are less visible and therefore more difficult to measure and often longer lasting consequences that need to be understood in order to prevent, reduce, and eliminate firearm-associated violence. The objective of this study is to analyze the population effects of firearm legalization. The research is developed in a descriptive way with a qualitative approach, through a literature review (documentary analysis, individual and group in-depth interviews, focus groups, observations and field notes) and other review articles. The results highlight that having firearms in the home or community increases the risk of injury and death from domestic violence, suicide, homicide and accidents. Concluding that between arguments for and against legalization, it is a result of the right to legitimate self-defense, public safety, control of the illegal arms trade, and the risk of accident or misuse.