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Dynamics and causes of crime in Colombia

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Author Info
Felipe Barrera Osorio ()

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Abstract

Abstract This paper adds to previous research on the causes of crime in Colombia by using a new dataset and better econometric estimations. The paper is a “meta” study on the past empirical research on crime. Based on microeconomic foundations, it tests several hypotheses on crime in Colombia. In concrete, the first finding is that drug crimes are highly correlated with other crimes. As some theories suggest, drug activities affect the judiciary system and as a by-product, are correlated with other crimes. Also, the dynamics of drug trade suggest the use of criminal activities to enforce their own operations (e.g. homicides to enforce the law of silence). Second, guerrilla activity is correlated with several types of crimes, including drug crimes, homicides, kidnappings and bank robberies; paramilitary activity is correlated with kidnappings and drug crimes. The article explores in a systematic way the relationship between the penal code and crime. In order to do this, an important effort is done in quantifying the legal code. The paper finds that the legal codes respond to criminal activity, but that laws have an impact on only few crime rates, such as kidnappings and terrorist attacks.

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File URL: ftp://ftp.fedesarrollo.org.co/pub/II/conflicto_y_economia/fbarrera_causas.pdf
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by FEDESARROLLO in its series INFORMES DE INVESTIGACIÓN with number 002387.

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Length: 41
Date of creation: 14 May 2004
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Handle: RePEc:col:000124:002387

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  1. Ehrlich, Isaac, 1996. "Crime, Punishment, and the Market for Offenses," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 10(1), pages 43-67, Winter. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  2. Levitt Steven & Mauricio Rubio, 2000. "Crimen en Colombia: análisis y sugerencias de política," INFORMES DE INVESTIGACIÓN 002238, FEDESARROLLO.
  3. Freeman, Richard B., 1999. "The economics of crime," Handbook of Labor Economics, in: O. Ashenfelter & D. Card (ed.), Handbook of Labor Economics, edition 1, volume 3, chapter 52, pages 3529-3571 Elsevier. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  4. Gaviria, Alejandro, 2000. "Increasing returns and the evolution of violent crime: the case of Colombia," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 1-25, February. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  5. Jairo Núñez & Fabio Sánchez & François Bourguignon, 2003. "What Part Of The Income Distribution Matters For Explaining Property Crime? The Case Of Colombia," DOCUMENTOS CEDE 003774, UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES-CEDE. [Downloadable!]
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  6. Carlos Esteban Posada & Armando Montenegro, 1994. "Criminalidad En Colombia," BORRADORES DE ECONOMIA 002239, BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA. [Downloadable!]
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