The Impact of Youth Curfew Laws on Juvenile Crime Rates

This study used panel data from a sample of cities and counties to examine the effects of curfew laws on youth crime rates. The analysis estimated the impact of new and revised laws on juvenile homicide victimizations (1976 to 1995) and on juvenile arrests for a variety of offenses (1985 to 1996). The results show statistically significant decreases in burglary, larceny, and simple assault arrests after revised laws, but only in the county data. Homicide rates did not change in either counties or cities, and new laws were not followed by reductions in crime. Any preventive effects of curfews appear to be small.

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