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Optimal sentencing with recurring crimes and adjudication errors

Author

Listed:
  • Alice Guerra

    (University of Bologna)

  • Tore Nilssen

    (University of Oslo)

Abstract

We analyze optimal sentence length for recurring crimes in the face of adjudication errors. We develop an infinite-horizon model where offenders are habitual—they repeat crimes whenever free. If apprehended, criminals may be wrongfully acquitted. Similarly, innocent people may be apprehended and wrongfully convicted. The key result shows how the risks of wrongful convictions and wrongful acquittals affect optimal sentencing. For reasonable ranges of parameter values, the two types of adjudication errors have the same qualitative effect on optimal sentencing: a greater risk of any of the two adjudication errors leads to a decrease in optimal sentencing.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Guerra & Tore Nilssen, 2023. "Optimal sentencing with recurring crimes and adjudication errors," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 139(1), pages 33-42, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jeczfn:v:139:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s00712-022-00813-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00712-022-00813-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Recurring crime; Recidivism; Incapacitation; Adjudication errors; Sentencing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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