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How do Parole Boards Respond to Large, Societal Shocks? Evidence from the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Author

Listed:
  • Brendon McConnell

    (University of Southampton)

  • Kegon Teng Kok Tan

    (University of Rochester)

  • Mariyana Zapryanova

    (Smith College)

Abstract

We provide the first evidence of the impact of 9/11 on outcomes for Muslims in the US criminal justice system. We focus on parole outcomes of Muslim men in the state of Georgia, and find large post-9/11 declines in the likelihood of being granted parole and a subsequent 23% relative increase in prison time for Muslim inmates. We find that these impacts persisted for several years after 9/11 with similar sized magnitudes. We examine heterogeneity in the effects by recidivism risk and document suggestive evidence that the effects were larger for higher risk inmates.

Suggested Citation

  • Brendon McConnell & Kegon Teng Kok Tan & Mariyana Zapryanova, 2023. "How do Parole Boards Respond to Large, Societal Shocks? Evidence from the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks," Working Papers 2023-010, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2023-010
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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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