Work

Comparing the Level of Punitiveness in the U.S. and Germany

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The article discusses the factors that explain the substantial differences in imprisonment rates between Germany and the U.S.; starting point is Michael Tonry’s thesis that these differences ‘mostly reflect deliberate policy choices’. The author points out that explanations must be more varied and that structural features of criminal justice systems are of great importance. Another argument made is that not every development deserves praise simply because it has the side effect of moderating imprisonment rates (such as bureaucratic and thus inefficient prosecution).

Source: Criminal Law Forum

DOI: 10.1007/s10609-025-09505-6

Author: Tatjana Hörnle

Institutions: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

Language: English

Topic: Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290