Breaking the cycle: The role of the criminal justice system in understanding homicide rates

This research examines the impact of three critical components of the criminal justice system—police investigation, judicial adjudication, and prison system effectiveness—on homicides. Using panel regression models, the study identifies which criminal justice institutions are most strongly associated with reductions in homicide rates. The findings show prison system effectiveness has the most substantial and statistically significant association with lower homicides. Conversely, police investigation and judicial processes show negative but statistically insignificant association, suggesting that while these systems are important, their effectiveness may be compromised by structural issues such as corruption, inefficiencies, and delays.These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing well-functioning and rehabilitative prison systems as a central component of any effective crime reduction strategy.