Homicide and the Instrumentality Effect

Abstract

Perhaps the most critical question in the gun violence debate is: Are firearm homicides and injuries primarily due to an intention to kill or maim, or does the weapon itself play the key role in these outcomes? The latter possibility is referred to as the “instrumentality effect.” The gun lobby and gun rights advocates argue that gun violence and suicides simply reflect the motives and inclinations of the shooter. This view is expressed by the slogan, “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” To them, the type of instrument is irrelevant and easily replaced by those determined to harm others or themselves. Conversely, public health researchers argue that while intentions and personal traits are important, the tool used in attacks on others or in self-harm will also affect outcomes. They do not feel that one has to choose between the role of an individual’s intent and weapons-related risk factors.