Economic Theory of Criminal Law

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance, Oxford University Press, Forthcoming

Boston Univ. School of Law, Law and Economics Research Paper No. 19-9, May 2019

21 Pages Posted: 6 May 2019

See all articles by Keith N. Hylton

Keith N. Hylton

Boston University - School of Law

Date Written: May 3, 2019

Abstract

Economic theory of criminal law consists of normative and positive parts. Normative economic theory, which began with writings by Beccaria and Bentham, aims to recommend an ideal criminal punishment scheme. Positive economic theory, which appeared later in writings by Holmes and Posner, aims to justify and to better understand the criminal law rules that exist. Since the purpose of criminal law is to deter socially undesirable conduct, economic theory, which emphasizes incentives, would appear to be an important perspective from which to examine criminal law.

Positive economic theory, applied to substantive criminal law, seeks to explain and to justify criminal law doctrine in economic terms – that is, in terms that emphasize the incentive effects created by the law. The positive economic theory of criminal law literature can be divided into three phases: classical deterrence theory, neoclassical deterrence, and modern synthesis. The modern synthesis provides a rationale for fundamental criminal law doctrines, and also more puzzling portions of the law such as the doctrines of intent and necessity. Positive economic theory also provides a rationale for the allocation of enforcement responsibilities.

Keywords: substantive criminal law, economics of criminal law, economic theory of criminal law, criminal intent, optimal deterrence, classical deterrence, complete deterrence, internalization of harm, error cost model, public choice theory of criminal law, necessity doctrine

JEL Classification: K14

Suggested Citation

Hylton, Keith N., Economic Theory of Criminal Law (May 3, 2019). Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance, Oxford University Press, Forthcoming, Boston Univ. School of Law, Law and Economics Research Paper No. 19-9, May 2019, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3382512 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3382512

Keith N. Hylton (Contact Author)

Boston University - School of Law ( email )

765 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
United States
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617-353-3077 (Fax)

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