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Measuring the gains from labor specialization

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  • Coviello, Decio
  • Ichino, Andrea
  • Persico, Nicola

Abstract

We estimate the productivity effects of labor specialization using a judicial environment that offers a quasi-experimental setting well suited to this purpose. Judges in this environment are randomly assigned many different types of cases. This assignment generates random streaks of same-type cases which create mini-specialization events unrelated to the characteristics of judges or cases. We estimate that when judges receive more cases of a certain type they become faster, i.e., more likely to close cases of that type in any one of the corresponding hearings. Quality, as measured by probability of an appeal, is not negatively affected.

Suggested Citation

  • Coviello, Decio & Ichino, Andrea & Persico, Nicola, 2019. "Measuring the gains from labor specialization," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 103448, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:103448
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/103448/
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    2. Jeffrey Penney & Steven Lehrer & Emilia Galan, 2024. "Mandatory minimum sentencing and its effect on sentencing distributions: Evidence from Canada," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 57(1), pages 55-77, February.
    3. Madanizadeh, Seyed Ali, 2021. "International trade, skill premium and endogenous labor division: The case of Mexico," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor specialization; productivity of workers; judges;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General
    • K0 - Law and Economics - - General
    • M5 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics

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