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Reform Prosecutors and the Footprint of the Criminal Justice System

Author

Listed:
  • Amanda Agan
  • Jennifer L. Doleac
  • Anna Harvey
  • Anna Kyriazis
  • Lauren Schechter

Abstract

Elected prosecutors exercise substantial discretion over criminal charges and case dispositions, shaping the footprint of the criminal justice system. We study how the election of reform-minded prosecutors affects charging and conviction outcomes using variation in the timing of prosecutors’ inaugurations across US counties. Employing a staggered difference-in-differences design, we find that reform prosecutors significantly reduce misdemeanor convictions per capita by about 17 percent, driven largely by declines in misdemeanor charging, particularly for drug offenses. We find smaller, suggestive reductions in felony convictions and no robust changes in felony charging.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Agan & Jennifer L. Doleac & Anna Harvey & Anna Kyriazis & Lauren Schechter, 2026. "Reform Prosecutors and the Footprint of the Criminal Justice System," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 116, pages 388-392, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:116:y:2026:p:388-392
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261051
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H76 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other Expenditure Categories
    • 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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