When in Rome... On Local Norms and Sentencing Decisions

Abstract We study spatial variation in criminal sentencing. show the existence of local sentencing practices varying widely even across geographically proximate areas. Using compulsory rotation judges North Carolina, we find that arriving a new court gradually converge toward practices. provide evidence convergence corresponds to process learning about practices, which is accelerated by presence senior district, and these are correlated with norms behavior. Finally, discuss theoretical implications results for optimal design judicial systems.