NCJ Number
107403
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 143-167
Date Published
1987
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This econometric study focuses on the factors underlying the growth since 1970 in filings in State trial courts and, especially, appellate courts.
Abstract
The model defines two categories of variables: those affecting the supply of disputes and those affecting the cost-benefit considerations of potential litigants. The study uses a pooled time-series-cross-section design and a fixed-effects regression procedure to analyze criminal cases from 32 States and civil data for 26 States over 10 to 15 years starting between 1970 and 1973 in each State. Factors determining the supply of disputes overwhelm the other factors used in the model. At the trial level, economic conditions 2 years early strongly affect civil filings, and crime rates for the current and prior years have moderate impacts on criminal filings. The output capacity of trial courts, measured by the number of judges, has a strong impact on appeals. Economic conditions and trial court filings influence civil appeals in later years, and prison commitments influence criminal appeals. Most cost-benefit factors, such as simplification of appellate procedure and interest-rate differentials, show little or no impact on appeals. Data tables, footnotes, and 39 references. (Author abstract modified)