Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/34861 
Year of Publication: 
2008
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 3710
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Based on a theoretical framework on informal, custodial and non-custodial sentencing, the paper provides econometric tests on the effectiveness of police, public prosecution and courts. Using a unique dataset covering German states for the period 19772001, a comprehensive system of criminal prosecution indicators is derived and subsequently related to the incidence of six major offence categories using panel-econometrics. Empirical evidence suggests that the criminal policy of diversion failed as increasing shares of dismissals by prosecutors and judges enhance crime rates in Germany. Crime is significantly deterred by higher clearance and conviction rates, while the effects of indicators representing type (fine, probation, imprisonment) and severity (length of prison sentence, size of fine) of punishment are often small and insignificant.
Subjects: 
Econometrics of crime
evaluation of policy reforms
panel econometrics
JEL: 
K14
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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