Kovandzic, Tomislav

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10735.1/4019

Tomislav Kovandzic is an Associate Professor of Criminology. His research interests include:

  • Gun Control and Gun Violence
  • Death Penalty
  • Deterrence and Incapacitation
  • Criminal Justice Policy
  • Structural Correlates of Crime

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Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Messing Up Texas?: A Re-analysis of the Effects of Executions on Homicides
    (Public Library of Science, 2015-09-23) Brandt, Patrick T.; Kovandzic, Tomislav V. .; School of Economic, Political and Policy Studies; Brandt, Patrick T.
    Executions in Texas from 1994-2005 do not deter homicides, contrary to the results of Land et al. (2009). We find that using different models-based on pre-tests for unit roots that correct for earlier model misspecifications-one cannot reject the null hypothesis that executions do not lead to a change in homicides in Texas over this period. Using additional control variables, we show that variables such as the number of prisoners in Texas may drive the main drop in homicides over this period. Such conclusions however are highly sensitive to model specification decisions, calling into question the assumptions about fixed parameters and constant structural relationships. This means that using dynamic regressions to account for policy changes that may affect homicides need to be done with significant care and attention.
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    The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on Crime: Evidence from State Panel Data, 1990-2006
    (Public Library of Science, 2014-03) Morris, Robert G.; TenEyck, Michael; Barnes, James C.; Kovandzic, Tomislav; 0000 0003 5627 7714 (Barnes, JC); 0000 0000 5311 5742 (Kovandzic, T); 2011138406 (Barnes, JC); 2006005160 (Kovandzic, T); 87819498‏ (Murdoch, JC)
    Background: Debate has surrounded the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes for decades. Some have argued medical marijuana legalization (MML) poses a threat to public health and safety, perhaps also affecting crime rates. In recent years, some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, reigniting political and public interest in the impact of marijuana legalization on a range of outcomes. Methods: Relying on U.S. state panel data, we analyzed the association between state MML and state crime rates for all Part I offenses collected by the FBI. Findings: Results did not indicate a crime exacerbating effect of MML on any of the Part I offenses. Alternatively, state MML may be correlated with a reduction in homicide and assault rates, net of other covariates. Conclusions: These findings run counter to arguments suggesting the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes poses a danger to public health in terms of exposure to violent crime and property crimes.

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