Work

Identity in Court Decision-Making

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We explore the role of identity along multiple dimensions in high-stakes decision-making. Our data contain information about demographic and socioeconomic indicators for defendants and randomly assigned jurors in a Swedish court. Our results show that defendants are 4 to 6 percent less likely to get a prison sentence if judged by one more juror belonging to the same identity-forming group. Moreover, they are given 10 percent shorter prison sentences. Socioeconomic background and demographic attributes are equally important for identity effects, and these effects stem from trials of longer duration and where the defendant is present in the courtroom. (JEL D91, J15, J16, K42, Z13)

Source: American Economic Journal Economic Policy

DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220802

Authors: Ulrika Ahrsjö, Susan Niknami, Mårten Palme

Institutions: Stockholm School of Economics, Swedish Institute, Stockholm University

Language: English

Topic: Jury Decision Making Processes

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4403946741

FWCI: 23.48

Cites: 40

Cited by: 9

Related to: 10