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Early Release via Parole and Recidivism

Author

Listed:
  • Meier, Armando N.

    (University of Basel)

  • Levav, Jonathan

    (Stanford University)

  • Meier, Stephan

    (Columbia University)

  • Avnaim, Liora G.

    (Hebrew University, Jerusalem)

Abstract

Does early release decrease or increase the probability that ex-convicts will return to prison? We exploit unique data from Israeli courts, where appearance before the judge throughout the day has an arbitrary component. We first show that judges more often deny parole requests of prisoners appearing further from the judges' last break. We then use this arbitrary variation in early releases and find that early releases reduce the propensity of prisoners to return to prison. Robustness checks suggest that later and earlier cases are largely comparable and that potential selection is unlikely to explain the results.

Suggested Citation

  • Meier, Armando N. & Levav, Jonathan & Meier, Stephan & Avnaim, Liora G., 2025. "Early Release via Parole and Recidivism," IZA Discussion Papers 18076, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18076
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Brendon McConnell & Imran Rasul, 2021. "Contagious Animosity in the Field: Evidence from the Federal Criminal Justice System," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39(3), pages 739-785.
    2. repec:plo:pone00:0130390 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Anna Aizer & Joseph J. Doyle, 2015. "Juvenile Incarceration, Human Capital, and Future Crime: Evidence from Randomly Assigned Judges," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 130(2), pages 759-803.
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    6. Ilyana Kuziemko, 2013. "How should inmates be released from prison? An assessment of parole versus fixed-sentence regimes," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 128(1), pages 371-424.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General

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