Essays on the economics of juvenile crime
Creators: name: Pukkalla, Tejaswi
Publisher: name: No Publisher Supplied
Year: 2024

description: This dissertation contributes to our understanding of the benefits and harms associated with diversionary reforms in the juvenile justice system. Since the 1990s, there has been a notable transition from a punitive 'Get tough' approachon juvenile crime to strategies that emphasize rehabilitation. I examine two major juvenile reforms that were implemented with this intent and measure their impact on juvenile arrest and recidivism rates. I explore whether thediversion of juveniles from more severe to lenient judicial conditions potentially contributes to higher rates of reoffending or conversely, if it facilitates their escape from the perpetual cycle of incarceration. In Chapter 1, I explore the causal relationship between the ‘Close to Home’ reform and juvenile recidivism (subsequent contact with justice system). The 'Close to Home' initiative mandated the placement of city juveniles in local facilities within New York City rather than sending them to distant state facilities in upstate New York, as was previously customary. I assess whether proximity to home and community connections contribute to reduced recidivism rates among juveniles, or on the other hand, if it enables them to maintain ties with their peer networks, potentially increasing recidivism due to reduced deterrence and incapacitation (as posited by behavioral choice theories in criminal justice). The findings indicate a substantial decrease in the likelihood of escalated criminal behavior among juveniles, with significant reductions in recidivism rates among female and Black city juveniles. Chapter 2 examines the causal effect of Florida’s Juvenile Civil Citation Program on recidivism rates. Implemented in a staggered manner across Florida counties, this program diverts first-time misdemeanants from formal judicialproceedings by issuing a civil citation, similar to a traffic ticket, instead of an arrest. Upon successful completion of the citation requirements, the juvenile’s citation history is expunged, ensuring that the events do not appear on theircriminal records. I investigate whether this form of diversion, which prevents initial contact with the justice system, influences recidivism rates among juveniles. The civil citation program is associated with a 15-57% decline in therecidivism rates of juveniles eligible for citation after the implementation of the program in their county, among which juveniles receiving citations are 32-38% less likely to recidivate compared to those who were eligible but did not receivethe citation. Chapter 3 investigates whether Florida’s civil citation program inadvertently exacerbates the school-to-prison pipeline, a phenomenon in which stricter school policies result in pushing marginalized students out of school and intothe justice system. Using multiple data sources such as Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Annie E. Casey Foundation and using synthetic difference-in-differences as the main identification strategy, I find that the reform is notassociated with any statistically significant changes in the school referral rates of Miami Dade County, thereby not contributing to the pipeline. Additionally, I also do not find any statistically significant changes in the graduation or dropout rates of students enrolled in school in Miami-Dade County after the reform implementation.