James Bovard

About the author: James Bovard is a columnist and an adjunct analyst at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based public interest group dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government. He is also the author of several books, including Shakedown: How Government Screws You from A-Z and Lost Rights: The Destruction of American Liberty.

The Brady Law—which requires a background check before a gun can be purchased—has not been an important factor in reducing crime. Supporters have exaggerated the number of people who have been prevented from buying guns, and the act has not prevented felons from purchasing guns illegally. According to statistics, states that are not covered by the law because they already had instant background checks have shown greater...