Pretrial Bargaining with Self-Serving Bias and Asymmetric Information
23 Pages Posted: 15 May 2000
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Pretrial Bargaining with Self-Serving Bias and Asymmetric Information
Date Written: Undated
Abstract
We introduce self-serving bias into the Bebchuk (1984) model in which trials result from asymmetric information and characterize the equilibrium. An increase in the self-serving bias of a defendant who receives an offer can, under some circumstances, reduce the incidence of trial. More typically, however, we find that an increase in the self-serving bias of either player increases the incidence of trial. An increase in the self-serving bias of a player who receives the offer has ambiguous effects on that player's welfare. Self-serving bias serves as a commitment mechanism not to accept offers which are too unfavorable, but players with such a bias typically end up in trial more often. For the player making the offer, we find that an increase in self-serving bias unambiguously lowers welfare.
JEL Classification: K4
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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