Working Paper: NBER ID: w28572
Authors: Shamena Anwar; Patrick Bayer; Randi Hjalmarsson
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 overrepresented neighborhoods. We estimate that equal representation would reduce Black defendants’ median sentence length by 50% and the probability of receiving a life sentence by 67%. Straightforward remedies could mitigate these legally unwarranted racial disparities.
Keywords: jury representation; racial disparities; trial outcomes; Harris County
JEL Codes: J15; K4
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| unequal jury representation (K16) | increased conviction rates (K14) |
| unequal jury representation (K16) | longer sentences for black defendants (K40) |
| higher proportion of jurors from predominantly white and high-income neighborhoods (R23) | increased conviction rates for black defendants (K14) |
| higher proportion of jurors from predominantly white and high-income neighborhoods (R23) | longer sentences for black defendants (K40) |
| equal representation (D72) | reduced median sentence length of black defendants (K40) |
| equal representation (D72) | reduced probability of receiving a life sentence for black defendants (K40) |
| underrepresented neighborhoods (R23) | fewer black jurors in jury pool (J79) |
| fewer black jurors in jury pool (J79) | biases against black defendants (J15) |
| racially integrated neighborhoods (R23) | less racial animus towards black defendants (J79) |