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Is Being 'Soft on Crime' the Solution to Rising Crime Rates? Evidence from Germany

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Author Info
Entorf, Horst () (University of Frankfurt)
Spengler, Hannes () (University of Applied Sciences Mainz)

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Abstract

Based on a theoretical framework on informal, custodial and non-custodial sentencing, the paper provides econometric tests on the effectiveness of police, public prosecution and courts. Using a unique dataset covering German states for the period 1977–2001, a comprehensive system of criminal prosecution indicators is derived and subsequently related to the incidence of six major offence categories using panel-econometrics. Empirical evidence suggests that the criminal policy of diversion failed as increasing shares of dismissals by prosecutors and judges enhance crime rates in Germany. Crime is significantly deterred by higher clearance and conviction rates, while the effects of indicators representing type (fine, probation, imprisonment) and severity (length of prison sentence, size of fine) of punishment are often small and insignificant.

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Paper provided by Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) in its series IZA Discussion Papers with number 3710.

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Date of creation: Sep 2008
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Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp3710

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Related research
Keywords: evaluation of policy reforms; econometrics of crime; panel econometrics;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data

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References listed on IDEAS
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