evidence on punishment preferences, in which subjects reveal a heterogeneous preference for punishing wrongdoers, our model … identifies circumstances in which “punitive” individuals (with stronger-than-average punishment preferences) will self …-select into law enforcement jobs that offer the opportunity to punish (or facilitate the punishment of) wrongdoers. Such “punitive …

Criminal law and economics rests on the expectation that deterrence incentives can be employed to reduce crime. Prison … face potential punishment when stealing, or they can steal without deterrence. We confirm Gary Becker’s deterrence …