Homicides and the age of criminal responsibility: a density discontinuity approach

We employ a density discontinuity design to evaluate the deterrence effect of more severe punishments around the legal age of criminal responsibility in Brazil. Motivated by the criminology literature, we propose a novel proxy based on the inherent risk underlying criminal activities. Using violent death rates as a proxy for an individual’s involvement in violent crime, we find no discernible deterrence effects. We additionally study arrest data from the country’s third most populous state, Rio de Janeiro, and discuss the advantages of our proxy in light of potential underreporting biases from using criminal records

From Hospital to Criminal Justice Complex: Notes on architectural flexibility through the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo

This article analyses the conversion of a big hospital and teaching complex, designed between 1968 and 1978 and commissioned by Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo to a team of architects led by Fábio Moura Penteado, into the biggest criminal justice complex in Latin America, since it was acquired by the State of São Paulo in the mid-1990s and opened in 1999. The architectural characteristics and the superlative scale of the complex constitute a privileged object to analyze the potentialities and limits of architectural flexibility, as well as how this concept is related to the modern project culture, specifically with the general strategies developed by the so-called Escola Paulista

Fragile Social Norms: (Un) Sustainable Exploration of Forest Products

The exhaustion of natural resources is a central problem in the international agenda. The particular case of Amazon forest is at the top on the international environmental debate. Two related problems are keys to be considered in the discussion of sustainable development in this region. First the predatory use of the natural resources of the forest mainly timber and genetic resources. Second the recognition of the existence of a population of around 20 million inhabitants in the region defined as “Legal Amazon Area”, aiming the improvement on the living conditions, enhancement of income level and acceleration of development. How to match both objectives is a puzzle faced by the present generation. The region is populated by initiatives of international non‐governmental‐organizations, most of them carrying good intentions but lacking the necessary knowledge on local formal and informal institutions to find ways to reach sustainable development. The result is the accelerated process of natural resources depletion, and social disorganization. The case of the production of Brazilian Nuts stands as a corollary of the lack of an institutional structure of property rights that does not provide incentives for sustainable development. The opposite effect is being observed as a result of the fragility of observable institutional arrangements. The case provides the counterfactual for the analysis of Ostrom (1990; 2008), where she presents virtuous cases of sustainable exploration of natural resources, mostly based on informal but solid institutions.sustainable exploration of forest resources, social norms and sustainability, common pool resources, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

South American Expert Roundtable : increasing adaptive governance capacity for coping with unintended side effects of digital transformation

This paper presents the main messages of a South American expert roundtable (ERT) on the unintended side effects (unseens) of digital transformation. The input of the ERT comprised 39 propositions from 20 experts representing 11 different perspectives. The two-day ERT discussed the main drivers and challenges as well as vulnerabilities or unseens and provided suggestions for: (i) the mechanisms underlying major unseens; (ii) understanding possible ways in which rebound effects of digital transformation may become the subject of overarching research in three main categories of impact: development factors, society, and individuals; and (iii) a set of potential action domains for transdisciplinary follow-up processes, including a case study in Brazil. A content analysis of the propositions and related mechanisms provided insights in the genesis of unseens by identifying 15 interrelated causal mechanisms related to critical issues/concerns. Additionally, a cluster analysis (CLA) was applied to structure the challenges and critical developments in South America. The discussion elaborated the genesis, dynamics, and impacts of (groups of) unseens such as the digital divide (that affects most countries that are not included in the development of digital business, management, production, etc. tools) or the challenge of restructuring small- and medium-sized enterprises (whose service is digitally substituted by digital devices). We identify specific issues and effects (for most South American countries) such as lack of governmental structure, challenging geographical structures (e.g., inclusion in high-performance transmission power), or the digital readiness of (wide parts) of society. One scientific contribution of the paper is related to the presented methodology that provides insights into the phenomena, the causal chains underlying “wanted/positive” and “unwanted/negative” effects, and the processes and mechanisms of societal changes caused by digitalization

Regulation Of Alternative Transport In Brazil An Assessment Of Bus/Minibus Integration In Recife

Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies. Faculty of Economics and Business. The University of Sydne

The Role of Surveillance Technologies in Brazil’s Public Security: Addressing Legal and Ethical Concerns

openAs the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, intertwining technological advancements with societal fabric, the captivating exploration of surveillance technologies within public security unfolds as a multifaceted and interdisciplinary investigation, scrutinizing contemporary society through the intersecting lenses of governance, politics, law, and rights. The study delves into the profound relevance of cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and interconnected systems for the empowerment of unprecedented surveillance capabilities, under public security context. In this manner, the overarching goal of this research is to comprehensively investigate the intricate relationship in Brazil, a nation susceptible to testing emerging trends and widespread deployment of such technologies. Employing a qualitative methodology through an exploratory approach, the study takes into account their historical evolution, integration processes, and the legal and ethical dimensions that accompany their deployment. Starting from a solid theoretical framework that emphasizes the parallels between modern surveillance techniques and power dynamics with the contemporary character, it analyzes ongoing surveillance-based projects and models towards public security through Brazilian territory. Revealing the imperative for a nuanced balance between public safety imperatives and the protection of individual rights, the study identifies technological limitations, particularly errors in facial recognition, and emphasizes the risks of algorithmic biases, especially in a racially diverse society like Brazil. It addresses the existing legal gap in data protection laws related to public security and criminal investigation, advocating for a comprehensive regulatory framework that safeguards fundamental rights. In conclusion, the research not only broadens the understanding of historical, ethical, and legal dimensions but also underscores the significance of a balanced and informed approach in deploying and regulating surveillance tools. The findings pave the way for further studies on public security policies, operational efficiency, innovation, and the protection of fundamental rights, revealing promising avenues for future research and discourse in contemporary society.As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, intertwining technological advancements with societal fabric, the captivating exploration of surveillance technologies within public security unfolds as a multifaceted and interdisciplinary investigation, scrutinizing contemporary society through the intersecting lenses of governance, politics, law, and rights. The study delves into the profound relevance of cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and interconnected systems for the empowerment of unprecedented surveillance capabilities, under public security context. In this manner, the overarching goal of this research is to comprehensively investigate the intricate relationship in Brazil, a nation susceptible to testing emerging trends and widespread deployment of such technologies. Employing a qualitative methodology through an exploratory approach, the study takes into account their historical evolution, integration processes, and the legal and ethical dimensions that accompany their deployment. Starting from a solid theoretical framework that emphasizes the parallels between modern surveillance techniques and power dynamics with the contemporary character, it analyzes ongoing surveillance-based projects and models towards public security through Brazilian territory. Revealing the imperative for a nuanced balance between public safety imperatives and the protection of individual rights, the study identifies technological limitations, particularly errors in facial recognition, and emphasizes the risks of algorithmic biases, especially in a racially diverse society like Brazil. It addresses the existing legal gap in data protection laws related to public security and criminal investigation, advocating for a comprehensive regulatory framework that safeguards fundamental rights. In conclusion, the research not only broadens the understanding of historical, ethical, and legal dimensions but also underscores the significance of a balanced and informed approach in deploying and regulating surveillance tools. The findings pave the way for further studies on public security policies, operational efficiency, innovation, and the protection of fundamental rights, revealing promising avenues for future research and discourse in contemporary society

VIDA : a simulation model of domestic violence in times of social distancing

Violence against women occurs predominantly in the family and domestic context. The COVID-19 pandemic has led Brazil to recommend and at times, impose social distancing, with the partial closure of economic activities, schools, and restrictions on events and public services. Preliminary evidence shows that intense coexistence increases domestic violence, while social distancing measures may have prevented access to public services and networks, information, and help. We propose an agent-based model (ABM), called VIDA, to formalize and illustrate a multitude of factors that influence events which could trigger violence. A central part of the model is the construction of a stress indicator, created as a probability trigger of domestic violence occurring within the family environment. Having a formal model that replicates observed patterns of violence based on internal familial characteristics enables us to experiment with altering dynamics. We first tested the (a) absence or presence of the deterrence system of domestic violence against women and then (b) the existence of measures to increase social distancing. VIDA presents comparative results for metropolitan regions and neighborhoods considered in the experiments. Results suggest that social distancing measures, particularly those encouraging staying at home, may have increased domestic violence against women by about 10%. VIDA suggests further that more populated areas have comparatively fewer cases per hundred thousand women than less populous capitals or rural areas of urban concentrations. This paper contributes to the literature by formalizing, to the best of our knowledge, the first model of domestic violence through agent-based modeling, using empirical detailed socioeconomic, demographic, educational, gender, and race data at the intraurban (census sectors) and household level

The Blessing of Natural Resources: Evidence from a Peruvian Gold Mine

This paper studies the impact of Yanacocha, a large gold mine in Peru, on the local population. Using annual household data from 1997 to 2006, we nd robust evidence of a positive effect of the mine's demand of local inputs on real income. The effect, an average income increase of 1.7% per 10% additional mine's purchases, is only present in the mine's supply market and surrounding areas. We also nd evidence of improvements on measures of welfare and reduction of poverty. We examine and rule out that our results are driven by increased public expenditure associated to the mining revenue windfall. Using a spatial general equilibrium model, we interpret these results as evidence of net welfare gains generated by the mine's backward linkages and its multiplier effect.Natural resources, mining, local development

Methods matter: reflections on the study of the research: policy nexus in the Belgian cannabis law reform

The notion that research may be carried out expressly to influence policy is still controversial to many researchers. Some feel quite strongly that research should not be limited and directed by the demands of policy makers. They assume that more is accomplished when research is unfettered and free to follow its own directions. However, providing research for the benefit of policy makers and the needs of a society is equally legitimate. In particular, some drug researchers bemoan their lack of influence on drug policy, believing that policy would be improved if their research findings were more central in decision making. After lengthy and difficult negotiations, policy recommendations to de facto depenalize the possession of cannabis for personal use were endorsed via the Belgian Law of 3 May 2003. The discussion about the new stipulations must be considered within the evolution in various European countries towards more tolerant policies regarding cannabis possession at the start of the twenty‐first century (e.g. Switzerland, Spain, UK). In my research I aim to understand how ‘evidence’ was used in the development of the cannabis law reform in Belgium and which (f)actors were at play. Is the development of the 2003 Cannabis Act based on (scientific) input or, so called, ‘evidence‐based’? Extensive academic output, using a diversity of approaches and analytical frameworks, has sought to systematize knowledge (or research) utilization categories and strategies. Most authors hold a positivist view resulting in an assumption that the relation between knowledge and policy is linear, direct or problem solving and, to a certain extent, predictable. Scientific inquiry is seen as the core knowledge production process. I follow a critical, constructivist approach assuming that social reality is rather produced and reproduced through actions and interactions between (powerful) people and the ‘third community’ (e.g. media, interest groups). This presentation will report on my considerations in developing (and testing) my methodological framework. Can I use existing frameworks for understanding my emphasis? Is it possible to measure utilization of research? What do we mean with ‘evidence‐based’? Which qualitative or quantitative methods are best suited? In critically addressing these challenges, I will discuss some of the lessons I learned in order to establish a more ‘realistic’ understanding of the research‐policy