The Economics of Crime
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at introducing students to the analysis of crime economics.
The first part of the course introduces the necessary methodological tools to understand research in economics. Specifically, we will learn about some basic statistical and econometrical tools, which are commonly used in crime economics.
In the next classes, we will focus on topics related to crime and we will understand how economists can help policymakers to tackle crime.
We will adopt an economic approach to investigate research questions, like: can we estimate the deterrence effect? Do peer-effects matter for criminals? Which is the best sanction upon a cost-benefit perspective? Are fines more effective than other sanctions? Does police presence decrease crime? Is there a link between migration and crime? Which are the best policies to fight corruption? Which are the effects of mafia on society?
The first part of the course introduces the necessary methodological tools to understand research in economics. Specifically, we will learn about some basic statistical and econometrical tools, which are commonly used in crime economics.
In the next classes, we will focus on topics related to crime and we will understand how economists can help policymakers to tackle crime.
We will adopt an economic approach to investigate research questions, like: can we estimate the deterrence effect? Do peer-effects matter for criminals? Which is the best sanction upon a cost-benefit perspective? Are fines more effective than other sanctions? Does police presence decrease crime? Is there a link between migration and crime? Which are the best policies to fight corruption? Which are the effects of mafia on society?
Expected learning outcomes
1. Understanding of basic statistical tools used in crime economics
2. Excellent learning of the research topics discussed during the course
3. Ability to critically evaluate scientific methodologies adopted in crime economics
4. Ability to independently learn about scientific topics related to crime economics
2. Excellent learning of the research topics discussed during the course
3. Ability to critically evaluate scientific methodologies adopted in crime economics
4. Ability to independently learn about scientific topics related to crime economics
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is structured into three main parts. The first part introduces basic methodological tools, with a focus on the use of statistics in economic analysis. The second part explores key topics in the economics of crime, as listed below. The final part of the course will be dedicated to student presentations.
Lecture Schedule:
· Introduction: Economics of Crime
· Lecture 1: Methods - Introduction to Statistics
· Lecture 2: Methods - Regression Analysis
· Lecture 3: The Becker Model
· Lecture 4: Deterrence and Incapacitation
· Lecture 5: Incarceration and Electronic Monitoring
· Lecture 6: Alternatives to Imprisonment
· Lecture 7: Policing and Crime Prevention
· Lecture 8: Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System
· Lecture 9: Opportunity Cost and Crime
· Lecture 10: Immigration and Crime
· Lecture 11: Corruption
· Lecture 12: Corruption and Political Incentives
· Lecture 13: Organized Crime
Final Lectures: Student presentations.
All course materials will be available on the ARIEL course platform.
Lecture Schedule:
· Introduction: Economics of Crime
· Lecture 1: Methods - Introduction to Statistics
· Lecture 2: Methods - Regression Analysis
· Lecture 3: The Becker Model
· Lecture 4: Deterrence and Incapacitation
· Lecture 5: Incarceration and Electronic Monitoring
· Lecture 6: Alternatives to Imprisonment
· Lecture 7: Policing and Crime Prevention
· Lecture 8: Racial Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System
· Lecture 9: Opportunity Cost and Crime
· Lecture 10: Immigration and Crime
· Lecture 11: Corruption
· Lecture 12: Corruption and Political Incentives
· Lecture 13: Organized Crime
Final Lectures: Student presentations.
All course materials will be available on the ARIEL course platform.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prior knowledge is required.
Lectures and teaching materials (slides) will be in Italian. However, the content is based on scientific studies published in English, and English technical terms will be frequently used. A good Enghlish knowledge will facilitate comprehension and active participation in the course.
The course adopts a strongly quantitative approach. While no prior knowledge of mathematics or statistics is required, strong motivation is essential to engage with quantitative methods—such as reading and interpreting charts and tables, analyzing scientific studies, and using economic terminology, which differs from legal language.
Lectures and teaching materials (slides) will be in Italian. However, the content is based on scientific studies published in English, and English technical terms will be frequently used. A good Enghlish knowledge will facilitate comprehension and active participation in the course.
The course adopts a strongly quantitative approach. While no prior knowledge of mathematics or statistics is required, strong motivation is essential to engage with quantitative methods—such as reading and interpreting charts and tables, analyzing scientific studies, and using economic terminology, which differs from legal language.
Teaching methods
Lectures: Active student participation is strongly encouraged. Students will frequently be invited to share their opinions on the topics discussed. Lectures will be based on slides, which will be made available after each session, and will include interactive teaching methods such as debates, online quizzes, and short video screenings.
Guest speaker: One lecture will be led by a guest speaker—either an academic or a policymaker—offering an external perspective on course-related topics.
Student presentations: As outlined in the "Assessment Methods" section, the course includes a series of student-led presentations.
Guest speaker: One lecture will be led by a guest speaker—either an academic or a policymaker—offering an external perspective on course-related topics.
Student presentations: As outlined in the "Assessment Methods" section, the course includes a series of student-led presentations.
Teaching Resources
The required course materials include:
- the slides used during lectures;
- any selected scientific articles, which will be attached to the slides at the end of each lecture.
All materials (slides and articles) will be provided in PDF format and made available on the course platform.
- the slides used during lectures;
- any selected scientific articles, which will be attached to the slides at the end of each lecture.
All materials (slides and articles) will be provided in PDF format and made available on the course platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment Methods
For attending students, the final grade will be based on two components with different weights:
Individual or group presentation (40%)
Students will prepare a presentation on a topic related to the course. The list of topics will be provided during the lectures. Groups will consist of one or two students, depending on the total number of participants. The duration of each presentation will also vary based on class size.
Presentations will be evaluated according to four criteria:
i) clarity of delivery;
ii) quality and clarity of the slides;
iii) originality and critical approach to the topic;
iv) ability to connect the chosen topic to other themes covered in the course.
Presentations will take place during the final weeks of the course.
Final written exam (60%)
The exam will consist of 10 short open-ended questions, each assigned a specific score. The exam duration will be 60 minutes.
For non-attending students, the final grade will be based solely on the written exam (100%).
For attending students, the final grade will be based on two components with different weights:
Individual or group presentation (40%)
Students will prepare a presentation on a topic related to the course. The list of topics will be provided during the lectures. Groups will consist of one or two students, depending on the total number of participants. The duration of each presentation will also vary based on class size.
Presentations will be evaluated according to four criteria:
i) clarity of delivery;
ii) quality and clarity of the slides;
iii) originality and critical approach to the topic;
iv) ability to connect the chosen topic to other themes covered in the course.
Presentations will take place during the final weeks of the course.
Final written exam (60%)
The exam will consist of 10 short open-ended questions, each assigned a specific score. The exam duration will be 60 minutes.
For non-attending students, the final grade will be based solely on the written exam (100%).
SECS-P/03 - PUBLIC ECONOMICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Daniele Gianmarco
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Daniele GianmarcoProfessor(s)