University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Public Policy 2538-5577 6 4 2021 02 19 An Analysis on unintended consequences of public policies An Analysis on unintended consequences of public policies 211 223 80488 10.22059/jppolicy.2021.80488 FA Mohammad Javad Haghshenas PHD of public policy University of Tehran Journal Article 2021 03 17 The unintended consequences of policies are an important issue that is often overlooked by policymakers. This paper describes four case studies of the law of unintended consequences as it applies to government policy. These case studies include federal income tax, cigarette taxes, minimum wage and alcohol prohibition. The well-known result that government policies designed to bring about one set of goals often create unanticipated outcomes has taken on increasing importance as governments become ever more involved in social and economic affairs. At the end, author advice to policymakers to be careful what they wish for policies. The unintended consequences of policies are an important issue that is often overlooked by policymakers. This paper describes four case studies of the law of unintended consequences as it applies to government policy. These case studies include federal income tax, cigarette taxes, minimum wage and alcohol prohibition. The well-known result that government policies designed to bring about one set of goals often create unanticipated outcomes has taken on increasing importance as governments become ever more involved in social and economic affairs. At the end, author advice to policymakers to be careful what they wish for policies. https://jppolicy.ut.ac.ir/article_80488_dca68846202f9f4f52274d9955fabf3e.pdf