An Examination of Perceived Factors of Influencing Mass Killings in the United States of America

Abstract

The criminal justice system in USA has undergone through series of attack from the citizens with specific references from the numerous incidences of crime cases due to mass killing, and legalization of gun holding policies. According to Folman, Aronsen, and Pan (2018), in 2018 alone, 12 reported mass shootings in the U.S. Despite gun laws that have been enacted in varying degrees from each state across the country, mass shootings and/or killings is a glaring problem that continues to divide America. The battle over gun control and gun rights increases seemingly after each incident of mass shooting. There are many factors discussed by educators, politicians, legal scholars and laypersons alike regarding the cause of mass shootings but little attention has been paid to the issue. This study investigates and examine the relationship between the number mass killings and race, gender, political party affiliation, use of assault weapons and mental illness. This research uses linear regression, correlation, and secondary sources of data covering the periods between 2016 – 2018. The study finds a strong positive relationship between mass killings and race. However, a statistically significant relationship to the number of mass killings and political party affiliation is lacking. Also lacking is a statistically significant relationship between mass killings and mental illness. Perhaps the latter is due to failure or inability to appropriately diagnose those who engage in mass shootings and/or killings as being mentally ill. Therefore, the study recommends that the mental health agencies and professionals should identify ways to communicate to active patients, their family members and the community-at-large on proper recognition of signs of mental illness and appropriate means to report such signs in order to minimize crime in USA.

Keywords: Race, Politics, Mass Killing, Correlation, Political Party, Crime and Justice System

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/104-08

Publication date: December 31^st 2020