Working Paper: NBER ID: w16731
Authors: Harold Pollack; Peter Reuter; Eric L. Sevigny
Abstract: This paper examines the effectiveness of drug courts to reduce the size of the incarcerated drug-offending population using data from the Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities and the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails. We find that very few of those entering state prison in 2004 or jail in 2002 would have been eligible for drug diversion through state drug courts. The policy implication is that drug courts and other diversion programs require substantial redesign if they are to contribute to a reduction in the incarcerated population.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: G18
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| restrictive eligibility criteria (I38) | high rates of incarceration among drug users (K14) |
| restrictive eligibility criteria (I38) | ineffectiveness of drug courts (K40) |
| harsh treatment of repeat offenders (K40) | longer sentences (Y60) |
| restrictive eligibility criteria and harsh treatment of repeat offenders (P37) | high incarceration rates (K14) |
| systematic mismatch between sentencing practices and criminal careers of drug-involved offenders (K40) | increasing share of incarcerated population with drug problems (K14) |
| substance abuse treatment (I12) | reduce crime (K42) |