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Fines for illicit drug use do not prevent future crime: evidence from randomly assigned judges

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  • Alexeev, Sergey
  • Weatherburn, Don

Abstract

This study uses judicial leniency as an instrumental variable to estimate the effect on recidivism of a monetary penalty for using or possessing a prohibited drug. Using data from the state of New South Wales, Australia, we find that fines have no measurable effect on recidivism. In contrast, ordinary least square estimates mistakenly suggest that fines increase recidivism risk. The results add to existing evidence that sanctions are ineffective in changing drug use behaviour. This should encourage policymakers to seek other ways of stopping or reducing illicit drug consumption among active users.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexeev, Sergey & Weatherburn, Don, 2022. "Fines for illicit drug use do not prevent future crime: evidence from randomly assigned judges," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 555-575.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:200:y:2022:i:c:p:555-575
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.06.015
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health Behavior; Public Health; Criminal Law; Litigation Process; Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K41 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Litigation Process
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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