In a time when each new accidental death, school shooting, or political assassination draws unprecedented and polemical media attention, the author, a member of both the NRA and the Brady Center, steers clear of divisive rhetoric to present the contentious issue of gun control in the United States. Although the topic is controversial, the author's even-handed analysis of the issue makes this an example of policy studies in the United States. The Fifth Edition: Features a new, in-depth section on the movement to allow gun carrying on college campuses ; Covers recent public shootings including that of Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona ; Includes such recent court rulings as D.C. v. Heller, McDonald v. Chicago, and others ; Offers new data on gun ownership, gun deaths, school shootings, and public opinion on gun control ; Looks at NRA politics in recent elections ; Examines ATF role changes in light of increased border patrols and heightened Mexican drug violence ; Explores phenomena related to social media including gun meet-ups.