ECON 064. Economics of Crime and Justice

This course surveys topics in crime and justice in the US context, with a focus on thinking critically about economic theory and empirical evidence. We will review relevant economic theories and common empirical methods used to identify causal effects. We’ll discuss a wide range of crime-related topics, including measuring crime, policing, the court system, incarceration, firearms, employment, education, media, and health. Students will consider trade-offs to different approaches to crime prevention and harm reduction through an economic lens.
Prerequisite: ECON 001
Social Science.
1 credit.
Fall 2025. Rackstraw.
Fall 2026. Rackstraw.

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