Criminologists and gerontologists have reported increases in crimes perpetrated by elderly persons, but arrest data do not necessarily reflect this trend, due to failure to prosecute. To explore the influence of age, sex, race, and offense type on arrest and prosecution outcomes, Detroit Police Department arrest and case disposition data (1981),…

Uses five unusual indifference curve exercises to show how changing the jail sentence and changing the reward for good behavior can influence the crime rate. Recommends eliminating minimum sentencing while raising sentencing and increasing the rewards for good behavior. Includes illustrative graphs for each exercise. (MJP)

Contends that often lawmakers misread their constituents' opinions on important issues. Presents data from an Indiana survey that suggest support for the death penalty vanishes when citizens are given the option of life in prison without possibility of parole combined with a requirement of work and restitution. (MJP)