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Sentence Length and Recidivism: Court Rulings based on BAC

Author

Listed:
  • Jansson, Joakim

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, Linnaeus University)

  • Petterson-Lidbom, Per

    (Department of Economics, Stockholm University)

  • Priks, Mikael

    (Department of Economics, Stockholm University)

  • Tyrefors, Björn

    (Department of Economics, Gothenburg University)

Abstract

We study the effect of prison sentences on recidivism using a unique feature of sentencing for drunk driving in the Swedish court system. Below the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.0‰, individuals are never sentenced to prison and above 1.0‰, the average number of days sentenced to prison is essentially linearly increasing with the BAC level. We find that being sentenced to prison for one month reduces reoffending in the next five years by approximately 80 percent.

Suggested Citation

  • Jansson, Joakim & Petterson-Lidbom, Per & Priks, Mikael & Tyrefors, Björn, 2025. "Sentence Length and Recidivism: Court Rulings based on BAC," Working Paper Series 1536, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:iuiwop:1536
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    JEL classification:

    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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