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Justice Efficiency and Crime Deterrence

Author

Listed:
  • Daria Denti

    (Gran Sasso Science Institute)

  • Marco Di Cataldo

    (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice)

Abstract

Efficient justice is regarded as crucial for deterring crimes. This paper assesses the impact of a reform of the criminal justice system advocated by European institutions and implemented in Italy, significantly reshaping the geography of first-instance courts in the country through court mergers. We evaluate the reform's effects on justice efficiency and crime rates. Event study and difference-in-differences estimates reveal that the efficiency of criminal courts improved significantly as a result of the reform. This contributed to limiting property and organised crimes, while violent crimes were unaffected. These results support the idea that the deterrence effect of justice efficiency applies mainly to 'rational' crimes, while criminals acting under impulsive and less rational circumstances do not internalise information about justice in their decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Daria Denti & Marco Di Cataldo, 2026. "Justice Efficiency and Crime Deterrence," Working Papers 2026: 06, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    • Handle: RePEc:ven:wpaper:2026:06
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • P43 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Finance; Public Finance
    • Z18 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Public Policy

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