When in Rome... On Local Norms and Sentencing Decisions. Issue 2 (9th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abrams, David; Galbiati, Roberto; Henry, Emeric; Philippe, Arnaud
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Economic Association. Volume 20:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 700
• Page End: 738
• Publication Date: 2021-09-09
• Subjects: Economics -- Periodicals; Économie politique -- Périodiques; Science économique; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 330
• DOI: 10.1093/jeea/jvab038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-4766

Abstract

Abstract: We study spatial variation in criminal sentencing. We show the existence of local sentencing practices varying widely even across geographically proximate areas. Using compulsory rotation of judges in North Carolina, we find that judges arriving in a new court gradually converge toward local sentencing practices. We provide evidence that convergence in sentencing corresponds to a process of learning about local practices, which is accelerated by the presence of senior judges in the district, and that these sentencing practices are correlated with local norms of behavior. Finally, we discuss the theoretical implications of these results for the optimal design of judicial systems.