Crimes By Youth: Deterrence and Moral Compliance with the Law

• NCJ Number: 112014
• Journal: Contemporary Policy Issues Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 73-90
• Author(s): L Phillips; H L Votey
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 61st Annual Western Economic Association International Conference, San Francisco, Calif., July 1986.

Annotation

A decision theory framework is used to evaluate the extent to which crimes by youth are explained by the 'economic model of crime' in which lack of economic opportunities and potential costs imposed on criminals are major factors influencing crime levels.

Abstract

Data from the 'New Youth Cohort' consisting of responses from 12,686 individuals over a 3-year period are examined. Of the total, 545 were not interviewed in 1980, the first year crime is discussed, 431 were not asked relevant crime questions, and 263 refused to respond to at least 1 question about crime. The relevant sample was 12,141 actually questioned about involvement in crime in 1980. The model is expanded from the usual formulation including deterrence effects to investigate the impact of earned income, and income supplements on individuals' crime participation. Additionally, variables representing the forces of moral compliance and family attitudes are evaluated. Findings indicate that moral compliance has a moderating effect on the decision to commit crimes, even by persistently criminal individuals. Tabular data and 3 references. (Author abstract modified)