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The Economic Approach to Crime and Punishment

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  • D.J. Pyle

    (University of Leicester, UK)

Abstract

In the last twenty five years, economists have devoted considerable research effort to the study of crime and punishment. This article examines the contribution made by economists in two particular areas. First, the economic analysis of participation in criminal activity. Second, the design of “efficient†punishments for convicted criminals. The economic approach to crime and punishment assumes that criminals are rational individuals, who respond to incentives. Empirical analysis, undertaken by economists, tends to confirm this view. Several consequences follow from this, especially in relation to the structure of punishments for (related) crimes. In particular punishments need to be designed so that criminals choose less, rather than more, harmful acts.

Suggested Citation

  • D.J. Pyle, 1995. "The Economic Approach to Crime and Punishment," Journal of Interdisciplinary Economics, , vol. 6(1), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jinter:v:6:y:1995:i:1:p:1-22
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    Cited by:

    1. Kenneth Avio, 1998. "The Economics of Prisons," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 143-175, September.
    2. Scorcu, Antonello E. & Cellini, Roberto, 1998. "Economic activity and crime in the long run: an empirical investigation on aggregate data from Italy, 1951-1994," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 279-292, September.
    3. Brian Dollery & Joe Wallis, 1996. "An Economic Perspective on Crime and Punishment in Modern Australia," Agenda - A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform, Australian National University, College of Business and Economics, School of Economics, vol. 3(2), pages 235-240.

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