Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP15909
Authors: Randi Hjalmarsson; Patrick Bayer; Shamena Anwar
Abstract: We analyze the extent and consequences of unequal representation on juries in Harris County, Texas. We first document that residents from predominantly white and high-income neighborhoods are substantially over-represented on juries. Using quasi-random variation in those called for jury duty each day, we next establish that Black defendants are more likely to be convicted and receive longer sentences from juries with more residents from these over-represented neighborhoods. We estimate that equal representation would reduce Black defendants’ median sentence length by 50 percent and the probability of receiving a life sentence by 67 percent. Straightforward remedies could mitigate this severe bias.
Keywords: jury; crime; sentences; representation; inequality; race
JEL Codes: K4; J15
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| overrepresented jurors from predominantly white and high-income neighborhoods (R23) | harsher outcomes for black defendants (K40) |
| higher proportion of jurors from overrepresented neighborhoods (R23) | more likely to be convicted (K14) |
| higher proportion of jurors from overrepresented neighborhoods (R23) | longer sentences for black defendants (K40) |
| equal representation (D72) | reduce black defendants' median sentence length (K40) |
| equal representation (D72) | decrease probability of receiving a life sentence (K14) |