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  4. January 2023
  5. Judging Judge Fixed Effects

Judging Judge Fixed Effects

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Abstract

We propose a nonparametric test for the exclusion and monotonicity assumptions invoked in instrumental variable (IV) designs based on the random assignment of cases to judges. We show its asymptotic validity and demonstrate its finite-sample performance in simulations. We apply our test in an empirical setting from the literature examining the effects of pretrial detention on defendant outcomes in New York. When the assumptions are not satisfied, we propose weaker versions of the usual exclusion and monotonicity restrictions under which the IV estimator still converges to a proper weighted average of treatment effects.

Citation

Frandsen, Brigham, Lars Lefgren, and Emily Leslie. 2023. "Judging Judge Fixed Effects." American Economic Review, 113 (1): 253-77. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20201860

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • H76 State and Local Government: Other Expenditure Categories
  • K41 Litigation Process