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Journal of Economic Literature

ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)

Encouraging Desistance from Crime

  • Jennifer L. Doleac
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 61, no. 2, June 2023
(pp. 383–427)
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Abstract

Half of individuals released from prison in the United States will be re-incarcerated within three years, creating an incarceration cycle that is detrimental to individuals, families, and communities. There is tremendous public interest in ending this cycle, and public policies can help or hinder the reintegration of those released from jail and prison. This review summarizes the existing empirical evidence on how to intervene with existing offenders to reduce criminal behavior and improve social welfare.

Citation

Doleac, Jennifer L. 2023. "Encouraging Desistance from Crime." Journal of Economic Literature, 61 (2): 383–427. DOI: 10.1257/jel.20211536

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
  • I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
  • I28 Education: Government Policy
  • I38 Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
  • K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
  • R23 Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics: Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population; Neighborhood Characteristics