Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/24752 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2008
Series/Report no.: 
ZEW Discussion Papers No. 08-056
Publisher: 
Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW), Mannheim
Abstract: 
Based on a theoretical framework on 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 1977-2001, a comprehensive system of criminal prosecution indicators is derived and subsequently related to the incidence of aggravated assault by young offenders 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: 
Abschreckungshypothese
Haftvermeidung
Panelökonometrie
JEL: 
C33
K42
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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