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De‐prosecution and death: A comment on Hogan (2022)

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob Kaplan
  • J. J. Naddeo
  • Tom Scott

Abstract

A recent article presents a synthetic control model showing de‐prosecution in Philadelphia in the mid to late 2010s greatly increased the city's homicides. We point out several potential problems with the analysis and re‐estimate the relationship between de‐prosecution and homicide under different model specifications. We reproduce the author's results after addressing these issues and find that the effect presented in Hogan occurs only in certain model specifications and other decisions that maximize the reported effect of de‐prosecution on homicide counts.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob Kaplan & J. J. Naddeo & Tom Scott, 2026. "De‐prosecution and death: A comment on Hogan (2022)," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 64(1), pages 177-198, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:64:y:2026:i:1:p:177-198
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70022
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shjarback, John A. & Pyrooz, David C. & Wolfe, Scott E. & Decker, Scott H., 2017. "De-policing and crime in the wake of Ferguson: Racialized changes in the quantity and quality of policing among Missouri police departments," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 42-52.
    2. Agan, Amanda & Doleac, Jennifer & Harvey, Anna, 2021. "Misdemeanor Prosecution," IZA Discussion Papers 14234, IZA Network @ LISER.
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    6. Michael Mueller-Smith & Kevin T. Schnepel, 2021. "Diversion in the Criminal Justice System," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 88(2), pages 883-936.
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