Freedom of Speech, Deterrence, and Compellence in the Parliament

In most countries Parliamentary immunity protects lawmakers from civil or criminal charges while in office, and it shields them prosecution for their political speech actions. This paper presents the first empirical analysis literature of impact on behavior performance politicians. Leveraging a Constitutional Amendment, adoption which lifted 132 550 members Turkish Parliament, we find that impacts how Members Parliament (MPs) act perform duties Parliament. Losing (and resultant presumed fear prosecution) pacifies MPs opposition parties. They become less diligent (drafting fewer pieces legislation, initiating investigation inquiries, delivering shorter speeches) aggressive (interrupting other frequently). also reduce tendency to cast dissenting votes against government. parties who lose are likely get re-nominated by next election, they re-elected. We no evidence more outspoken active those valuable have been targeted revocation. There is MPs, retained immunity, increased efforts reaction same-party colleagues losing immunity. laws passed faster after Amendment was adopted, possibly as consequence reduced deliberation. Using Eurobarometer surveys, citizens' reactions revocation MP polarized. An individual's trust decreased based whether an province lost if subscribes same opposing ideology individual.