I looked at crime rate data for all 3,054 counties in the United States from 1977 through 1994. I accounted for arrest and conviction rates, prison sentences, changes in gun laws, income levels and poverty rates, unemployment and illegal drug prices. The Brady Law had no significant impact on murder or robbery rates in its first year, but was associated with a slight increase in rapes and aggravated assaults. Fears that waiting periods will interfere in particular with women's ability to get a gun quickly to defend themselves appear justified. President Clinton may sincerely believe that such measures promote public safety.
Mistakes can happen.
But so far, the Justice Department's errors have grossly exaggerated the Brady Law's success.