Date of Award

Fall 12-2013

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Chair

O. Hayden Griffin III

Committee Chair Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 2

Wes Johnson

Committee Member 2 Department

Criminal Justice

Committee Member 3

Mary Evans

Committee Member 3 Department

Criminal Justice

Abstract

Very few topics elicit such polarizing responses as that of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Since our country's infancy, firearms have been an integral part of our society. Over the years firearms have undoubtedly become ingrained in the American culture, but their presence has not been unanimously welcomed. While many Americans stand firmly by their right to bear arms, others adamantly oppose the notion that civilians should be able to possess such firearm s. This study explores the current literature regarding firearms, concealed carry firearms, and the news media's portrayal of concealed carry firearms on school campuses. A review of the current literature is presented regarding firearms, concealed carry firearms, and the theoretical foundation for the current study. Additionally, the current study presents a content analysis of 55 newspaper articles pertaining to firearms on school campuses during the past 15 years.

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