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Mental Health Consequences of Correctional Sentencing

Author

Listed:
  • Manudeep Bhuller
  • Laura Khoury
  • Katrine V. Løken

Abstract

Understanding whether and in what situations correctional sentencing improves or exacerbates defendants' mental health conditions is important for the design of criminal justice policies. We combine detailed Norwegian data on visits to health care professionals with quasi-experimental designs to measure the impacts of correctional sentences on mental health-related visits. Our causal evidence shows that rehabilitation-oriented sentencing can improve defendants' mental health conditions. We find that these effects are persistent and unlikely driven by shifts in health care demand. We interpret these findings in light of the rehabilitative focus of the Norwegian correctional system.

Suggested Citation

  • Manudeep Bhuller & Laura Khoury & Katrine V. Løken, 2025. "Mental Health Consequences of Correctional Sentencing," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 17(1), pages 70-105, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:70-105
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220227
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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