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Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences

Author

Listed:
  • 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 overrepresented on juries. Using quasirandom 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 percent and the probability of receiving a life sentence by 67 percent. Straightforward remedies could mitigate these legally unwarranted racial disparities.

Suggested Citation

  • Shamena Anwar & Patrick Bayer & Randi Hjalmarsson, 2022. "Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 4(2), pages 159-174, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aerins:v:4:y:2022:i:2:p:159-74
    DOI: 10.1257/aeri.20210149
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    Cited by:

    1. Catherine M. Grosso & Jeffrey Fagan & Michael Laurence, 2024. "The influence of the race of defendant and the race of victim on capital charging and sentencing in California," Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(3), pages 482-531, September.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K41 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Litigation Process

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