Does lengthening prison sentences reduce crime rates?

Asked Feb 07 '14 at 23:14

Active Feb 09 '14 at 20:01

Viewed 408 times

I have heard time and again that increasing the length of prison sentences produces little or no improvements in crime rates. It is said that increasing the probability of arrest after a crime has much better results.

Is there evidence for this (especially in developing countries)?

edited Feb 08 '14 at 09:40

Oddthinking

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asked Feb 07 '14 at 23:14

josinalvo

I had trouble finding an example claim which didn't also provide evidence to support it. – Oddthinking Feb 08 '14 at 09:41
Reduce crime rates inside or outside prison? – user1873 Feb 10 '14 at 06:25
rates outside prison. – josinalvo Feb 12 '14 at 20:58
If someone is in prison, that person cannot commit a crime. Seems like it would have to help, unless it is like musical chairs (one criminal is caught, someone else steps in to their place). – Oct 24 '15 at 19:38

Does lengthening prison sentences reduce crime rates?

0 Answers0