Misdemeanor Prosecution and Recidivism

This study examines the impact of nonprosecution of nonviolent misdemeanors on future criminal behavior.

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Quick Facts
Report location: source
Language: English
Publisher: CATO Institute
Authors: Anna Harvey, Jennifer Doleac, Amanda Agan
Time horizon: 2004
Geographic focus: Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Methods

The researchers used data from the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, covering 2004-2018, to analyze the impact of nonprosecution on future criminal justice system contact. They compared the outcomes of defendants based on the leniency of the assistant district attorneys at arraignment.

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Key Insights

The research investigates the effects of nonprosecution of nonviolent misdemeanors on recidivism, using data from Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It finds that nonprosecution significantly reduces future criminal complaints and suggests that lenient handling of such cases could decrease future criminal justice involvement, particularly benefiting black residents.

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