Most models and empirical tests of the relationship between corruption and democracy assume corruption falls as democracy matures. Yet recent theoretical developments and case evidence suggest an inverted U relationship between the two, although so far no one has tested for this relationship. By drawing on a panel data set covering a large number of countries between 1982-1997, substantial empirical support is found for an inverted U relationship between the durability (age) of democracy and corruption. Fortunately, the turning point in corruption occurs rather early in the life of new democracies - between 10-12 years. - Reproduced.