Firearm Fatalities in Jordan

Abstract

During the 8-year period from 1973 through 1980 there were 221 firearm deaths autopsied and investigated by both departments of Forensic Medicine in Amman, Jordan. Although restrictions for legal possession of firearms are minimal, more illegal arms are possessed. Fifty-one per cent of such deaths were homicides, 31 per cent accidents and 18 per cent suicides, with a sharp increase in the incidence of homicides and accidents over the years. Firearms rank as the fourth cause of death of all cases of unnatural death, and homicidal firearm deaths constitute 29 per cent of all homicides in general. All assailants and 80 per cent of the victims were males. Females were most commonly the victims of homicide. Police and armed forces comprise 20 per cent of the subjects studied and most of the fatalities involved children and young adults.