Mass Shootings in America - Understanding the Debates, Causes, and Responses (Hardcover)

This work examines mass shootings in the United States, focusing on events from 1966 to 2016. In addition to providing essential information about each shooting, it surveys underlying causes of such events and potential reforms to prevent future ones. This book is an informed and informative resource for understanding the reasons for and consequences of mass shootings in America. It includes essays from experts in the fields of criminal justice, sociology, and psychology about key issues surrounding the phenomenon of mass shootings and a collection of opinion pieces that provide insights into debates surrounding gun laws and other issues related to mass shootings. The title also features an encyclopedia section containing entries on every mass shooting in the United States from 1966 to 2016 for easy reference and a collection of illuminating and historically important primary documents pertaining to mass shooting events and the broader problem of violence in American society. Accessible, authoritative, and comprehensive, Mass Shootings in America will assist a wide range of readers, including budding scholars, seasoned researchers, and members of the general public, to a better understanding of mass shootings and their causes as well as steps that might be taken to reduce their severity and frequency. Helps readers to understand a controversial topic with overview essays written by subject experts on mass shootings and their underlying causes Breaks up the tragedy of mass shootings with individual entries on more than 300 that have taken place in the United States since 1966 Provides perspective on various subjects of debate through contributions from experts and issue advocates Documents America's response to mass shootings, from the official investigative reports on the Columbine High School shooting to former President Barack Obama's response to the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, through careful selection of primary sources