Following Precedent to Signal Ideological Neutrality
38 Pages Posted: 23 Sep 2008 Last revised: 13 Aug 2012
Date Written: December 1, 2008
Abstract
I analyze a game-theoretic model of judicial decisionmaking in which judges are concerned both about promoting substantive policy outcomes and developing a reputation for being ideologically neutral. I argue that judges may be motivated to develop such a reputation either because they are concerned about promoting the institutional legitimacy of their court or because being perceived as too ideological may hamper a judge's promotion prospects. I characterize conditions under which such reputational concerns lead judges to follow precedent in order to signal their ideological neutrality.
Keywords: Judicial decision-making, judicial preferences, precedent, stare decisis, signaling game
JEL Classification: K40, C70
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation