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How do parole boards respond to large, societal shocks? Evidence from the 9/11 terrorist attacks

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  • McConnell, Brendon
  • Tan, Kegon Teng Kok
  • Zapryanova, Mariyana

Abstract

We provide the first evidence of the impact of 9/11 on outcomes for Muslims in the US criminal justice system. We focus on parole outcomes of Black Muslim men in the state of Georgia, and find large post-9/11 declines in the likelihood of being granted parole and a subsequent 23% relative increase in prison time for Muslim inmates. These impacts persisted for several years after 9/11 and were larger for inmates with higher levels of recidivism risk. We argue that these effects reflect unwarranted disparities driven by the decision-making of parole board members post-9/11.

Suggested Citation

  • McConnell, Brendon & Tan, Kegon Teng Kok & Zapryanova, Mariyana, 2024. "How do parole boards respond to large, societal shocks? Evidence from the 9/11 terrorist attacks," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:238:y:2024:i:c:s0047272724001427
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105206
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