W. David Allen
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804762526
- eISBN:
- 9780804777599
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804762526.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Econometrics
This book presents an economic analysis of decisions made by criminals and victims of crime before, during, and after a crime or victimization occurs. Its main purpose is to illustrate how the ...
More
This book presents an economic analysis of decisions made by criminals and victims of crime before, during, and after a crime or victimization occurs. Its main purpose is to illustrate how the application of analytical tools from economics can help us to understand the causes and consequences of criminal and victim choices, aiding efforts to deter or reduce the consequences of crime. By examining these decisions along a logical timeline over which crimes take place, we can begin to think more clearly about how policy effects change when it is targeted at specific decisions within the body of a crime. This book differs from others by recognizing the timeline of a crime, paying particular attention to victim decisions, and examining each step in the crime cycle at the micro-level. It demonstrates that criminals plan their crimes in systematic, economically logical ways; that deterring the destruction of criminal evidence may deter crime in general; and that white-collar criminals exhibit recidivism patterns not unlike those of street criminals. It further shows that the degree of criminality in a society motivates a variety of self-protection behaviors by potential victims; that not all victim resistance makes matters worse (and some may help); and that victims who report their crimes do not receive high returns for going to the police, helping to explain why some crimes ultimately go unreported.Less
This book presents an economic analysis of decisions made by criminals and victims of crime before, during, and after a crime or victimization occurs. Its main purpose is to illustrate how the application of analytical tools from economics can help us to understand the causes and consequences of criminal and victim choices, aiding efforts to deter or reduce the consequences of crime. By examining these decisions along a logical timeline over which crimes take place, we can begin to think more clearly about how policy effects change when it is targeted at specific decisions within the body of a crime. This book differs from others by recognizing the timeline of a crime, paying particular attention to victim decisions, and examining each step in the crime cycle at the micro-level. It demonstrates that criminals plan their crimes in systematic, economically logical ways; that deterring the destruction of criminal evidence may deter crime in general; and that white-collar criminals exhibit recidivism patterns not unlike those of street criminals. It further shows that the degree of criminality in a society motivates a variety of self-protection behaviors by potential victims; that not all victim resistance makes matters worse (and some may help); and that victims who report their crimes do not receive high returns for going to the police, helping to explain why some crimes ultimately go unreported.
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804762526
- eISBN:
- 9780804777599
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804762526.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Econometrics
Victims are individuals who suffer harm as a consequence of a crime. This chapter examines the circumstances and behavior of victims, focusing on the actions taken by victims and the wider desire to ...
More
Victims are individuals who suffer harm as a consequence of a crime. This chapter examines the circumstances and behavior of victims, focusing on the actions taken by victims and the wider desire to deter crime. It examines self-protection behavior, victim resistance, and various forms of recourse victims take in the aftermath of a violation or a crime. The chapter also considers the connection between crime victimization and labor-market participation or earnings.Less
Victims are individuals who suffer harm as a consequence of a crime. This chapter examines the circumstances and behavior of victims, focusing on the actions taken by victims and the wider desire to deter crime. It examines self-protection behavior, victim resistance, and various forms of recourse victims take in the aftermath of a violation or a crime. The chapter also considers the connection between crime victimization and labor-market participation or earnings.
