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Equal before the (expressive power of) law?

Author

Listed:
  • Luise Goerges

    (Leuphana University Lüneburg)

  • Tom Lane

    (Newcastle University)

  • Daniele Nosenzo

    (Aarhus University)

  • Silvia Sonderegger

    (University of Nottingham)

Abstract

Building on findings showing that laws exert a causal effect on social norms, this paper investigates whether this “expressive power of law” differs by gender or race. We develop a model to show that such differences are theoretically plausible. We then use an incentivized vignette experiment to test whether these differences are empirically relevant. Results from an online sample of around 4000 subjects confirm that laws causally influence social norms. However, we find little evidence of a differential effect across gender or race, suggesting that gender and race biases in the legal system are driven by other mechanisms than differences in the expressive power of law.

Suggested Citation

  • Luise Goerges & Tom Lane & Daniele Nosenzo & Silvia Sonderegger, 2023. "Equal before the (expressive power of) law?," Discussion Papers 2023-12, The Centre for Decision Research and Experimental Economics, School of Economics, University of Nottingham.
    • Handle: RePEc:not:notcdx:2023-12
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social Norms; Law; Expressive Function of Law; Gender Gap; Racial Bias;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • K1 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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