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  4. June 2025
  5. Examiner and Judge Designs in Economics: A Practitioner's Guide

Journal of Economic Literature

ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)

Examiner and Judge Designs in Economics: A Practitioner's Guide

  • Eric Chyn
  • Brigham Frandsen
  • Emily Leslie
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 63, no. 2, June 2025
(pp. 401–39)
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Abstract

This article provides empirical researchers with an introduction and guide to research designs based on variation in judge and examiner tendencies to administer treatments or other interventions. We review the basic theory behind this research design, outline the assumptions under which the design identifies causal effects, describe empirical tests of the conditions for identification, and discuss trade-offs associated with choices researchers must make for estimation. We demonstrate concepts and best practices in an empirical case study that uses an examiner tendency research design to study the effects of pretrial detention.

Citation

Chyn, Eric, Brigham Frandsen, and Emily Leslie. 2025. "Examiner and Judge Designs in Economics: A Practitioner's Guide." Journal of Economic Literature 63 (2): 401–39. DOI: 10.1257/jel.20241719

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • C21 Single Equation Models; Single Variables: Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions
  • C26 Single Equation Models: Single Variables: Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
  • K14 Criminal Law
  • K41 Litigation Process