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How much should we trust crime statistics? A comparison between EU and US

Author

Listed:
  • Paolo Buonanno

    (University of Bergamo)

  • Francesco Drago

    (University of Messina, CEPR & CSEF)

  • Roberto Galbiati

    (CNRS & Sciences Po)

  • Pietro Vertova

    (University of Bergamo)

Abstract

We discuss measurement issues in crime rates in a cross-country comparative perspective. We show that while homicide and general crime rates follow quite similar patterns in the US this is not always the case in Europe. We provide an explanation of the observed patterns based on the use of fire harms.

Suggested Citation

  • Paolo Buonanno & Francesco Drago & Roberto Galbiati & Pietro Vertova, 2018. "How much should we trust crime statistics? A comparison between EU and US," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 46(3), pages 343-357, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ejlwec:v:46:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s10657-017-9555-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10657-017-9555-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Scognamiglio, Annalisa, 2018. "When the mafia comes to town," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 573-590.
    2. Caruso, Raul, 2014. "What is the relationship between unemployment and rape? Evidence from a panel of European regions," MPRA Paper 54725, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Francesca Calamunci & Francesco Drago, 2020. "The Economic Impact of Organized Crime Infiltration in the Legal Economy: Evidence from the Judicial Administration of Organized Crime Firms," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 6(2), pages 275-297, July.
    4. Paolo Buonanno & Leopoldo Fergusson & Juan Fernando Vargas, 2014. "The crime kuznets curve," Borradores de Investigación 11043, Universidad del Rosario.
    5. Deiana, Claudio & Geraci, Andrea, 2021. "Are wind turbines a mafia windfall? The unintended consequences of green incentives," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    6. Giovanni B. Ramello & Alain Marciano, 2018. "Cesare Beccaria: back to the future of law and economics," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 46(3), pages 271-274, December.
    7. Alexi Thompson & James J. Jozefowicz, 2024. "Euro switch, economic growth, and property crimes in Europe," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 343-362, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Crime statistics; Criminal behavior;

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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