Citation

Sellin T. Am. J. Sociol. 1942; 47(6): 898-906.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1942, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/219044

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Crime in the thirties differs somewhat from crime in the preceding decade, owing chiefly to the depression and to the elimination of prohibition. Sources of statistical data were greatly improved. Urban rates for offenses against the person were lower at the end of the decade than at the beginning. Major offenses against property showed an opposite trend. Criminal homicide rates declined. Comparison with European rates does not indicate as high rates in the United States as have been assumed, especially when Negro rates are taken into consideration. The effect of the depression on property crimes is not clear but cannot be discounted. The expansion of the federal criminal law is reflected in the increase in federal prison commitments, while commitments to states institutions declined.