Judicial Behavior

May 2019

Outline & Readings

Notes:
(1) These are recommended readings. Don't worry if you can't get to all of them before the start of the course.
(2) This is hardly an inclusive list of the many studies on judicial behavior. If you are interested in additional readings, please contact Lee Epstein.

An Introduction to the Study of Judicial Behavior
(May 27)

1. Evolution of the Field
2. Overview of Theories, Topics, and Data
3. Grading Policy

Readings
• Lee Epstein. 2016. "Some Thoughts on the Study of Judicial Behavior.'' William & Mary Law Review 57: 2017-2073 (2015 George Wythe Lecture).
•Lee Epstein, William M. Landes & Richard A. Posner. 2013. The Behavior of Federal Judges: A Theoretical and Empirical Study of Rational Choice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. pp. 25-50.

Judges' Motivations
(May 28, 29)

1. Professional Norms
2. Political Preferences
3. Personal Attributes
4. Personal Motivations
5. "Thinking Fast'' Judging

Readings
•Lee Epstein, William M. Landes & Richard A. Posner. 2013. The Behavior of Federal Judges: A Theoretical and Empirical Study of Rational Choice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. pp. 101-116.
•Lee Epstein & Jack Knight. 2013. "Reconsidering Judicial Preferences." Annual Review of Political Science 16: 19.1-19.21.

Paper Presentations (please read the papers)
•Yen-tu Su, Han-wei Ho, & Chien-chih Lin. 2019."Are Taiwan Constitutional Court Justices Political?''
•Yun-chien Chang, Kong-Pin Chen, & Chang-Chin Lin. 2019. "Empirical Evidence of Anchoring Effect in Litigation."