Whenthecrime rate falls, tough sentences are hailed as the cause, evenwhendemographyorotherfactors may matter more; when the rate risestough sentences are demanded to solvethe problem.
However, these concurrent changes could support either of two hypotheses: that crimerises when individuals own more guns, or that individuals purchase more guns to defend themselves against rising crime.
So when crimerises, better to create another criminal offence and we've had over 3000 new ones since 1997, than it is to take the long-term action that would strengthen families.