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Standing Committee on Gun Violence

This Standing Committee focuses on reducing gun violence through education, activation, and legislation.

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The ABA's Standing Committee on Gun Violence is a unique, non-partisan voice. Your tax-deductible contribution will support its work on evidence-informed policy, education, and advocacy.

Beyond Sandy Hook: The Intersection of Disinformation, Conspiracy Theories, and Gun Violence

This discussion between Elizabeth Williamson, author of Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth, and Monte Frank, Sandy Hook Attorney and Special Advisor to ABA’s Committee on Gun Violence, focuses on the real-world consequences of misinformation and conspiracy theories, from their impact on fomenting violence to the effect they have had on political discourse. The program also discusses the role lawyers and courts can play in stopping disinformation and standing up for truth and the rule of law.

Diversion: A Rehabilitative Approach to Reduce Gun Crime

Gun offense diversion programs are a new, rehabilitative approach to reduce the staggering amount of gun crime in America that build on the experience of other types of diversion programs and specialty courts. They give prosecutors and the courts an alternative to conviction and sentencing when appropriate. The National District Attorneys Association in partnership with the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Gun Violence hosted a one-hour webinar panel discussion discussing the experience of Minneapolis and Hennepin County with their existing formalized court gun offense diversion programs, and the prosecutor-led gun offense diversion program being considered in East Baton Rouge.

Taking Aim At Gun Violence

The Myth and Meaning of the Second Amendment

The first in a series of programs sponsored by the Committee in the fight to reduce gun violence in our community. This in-depth discussion of current Second Amendment law and other developments was held on March 6 at the National Constitution Center

ABA Policies on Gun Violence

For over 50 years the ABA has weighed in on gun violence policy. Recognizing that there is no simple solution, and consistent with a public health approach to addressing this national crisis, these policies cover a range of topics from research, education, prevention, enforcement, and regulation.

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Letter from the President to The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

On October 11, 2023, ABA President Mary Smith sent a letter to Stephanie G. Feldman, Director of the newly-created White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, to inform the Director of the work the ABA is doing to prevent gun violence and offer to make the ABA a resource in the White House's gun violence prevention efforts.

Read the Letter - Here

Letter from the President on H.R. 8361

On November 14, 2022, ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee expressing the ABA's support for and urging action on H.R. 8361, the Preventing Suicide Through Voluntary Firearm Purchase Delay Act.

Read the Letter - Here

Legislative Resources

Articles on gun regulation from a public health and legal perspective.

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The ABA and Gun Violence Prevention

The ABA supports bipartisan efforts to take swift, evidence-informed actions to dramatically reduce the threat and devastating impacts of gun violence nationwide.

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About Us

The Standing Committee on Gun Violence aims to address the problem of gun violence through public education, bar activation, and legislative effort aimed at reducing gun violence and by taking on a coordinating role for lawyers active in the ABA, for its Sections and Divisions, state and local bars, and private bar groups.

Message - from the Chair