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Measuring the Gains from Labor Specialization

Author

Listed:
  • Decio Coviello
  • Andrea Ichino
  • Nicola Persico

Abstract

We estimate the productivity effects of labor specialization using a judicial environment that offers a quasi-experimental setting well suited to this purpose. Judges in this environment are randomly assigned many different types of cases. This assignment generates random streaks of same-type cases, which creates minispecialization events unrelated to the characteristics of judges or cases. We estimate that when judges receive more cases of a certain type, they become faster, that is, more likely to close cases of that type in any one of the corresponding hearings. Quality, as measured by probability of an appeal, is not negatively affected.

Suggested Citation

  • Decio Coviello & Andrea Ichino & Nicola Persico, 2019. "Measuring the Gains from Labor Specialization," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 62(3), pages 403-426.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlawec:doi:10.1086/704244
    DOI: 10.1086/704244
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    Cited by:

    1. Jeffrey Penney & Steven Lehrer & Emilia Galan, 2024. "Mandatory minimum sentencing and its effect on sentencing distributions: Evidence from Canada," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 57(1), pages 55-77, February.
    2. Djankov, Simeon & Melcarne, Alessandro & Ramello, Giovanni B. & Spruk, Rok, 2025. "Timely justice as a determinant of economic growth," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    3. Madanizadeh, Seyed Ali, 2021. "International trade, skill premium and endogenous labor division: The case of Mexico," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    4. Daria Denti & Marco Di Cataldo, 2026. "Justice Efficiency and Crime Deterrence," Working Papers 2026: 06, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    5. Stefano Cabras & Marco Delogu & J.D. Tena, 2023. "Forced to play too many matches? A deep-learning assessment of crowded schedule," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(52), pages 6187-6204, November.
    6. Giuseppe Vita & Paolo Lorenzo Ferrara & Alessandra Patti, 2025. "Analysis of time duration of civil disputes in Italy: a case study with microdata from Sicilian courts," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 74(1), pages 1-30, March.
    7. Chu, Hongli & Sun, Ivan Y. & Wang, Jianxiong, 2025. "Excellent human capital or institution? Evidence from judicial reform of the judge quota system in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(PA).
    8. Bosio,Erica, 2023. "A Survey of Judicial Effectiveness : The Last Quarter Century of Empirical Evidence," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10501, The World Bank.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General
    • K0 - Law and Economics - - General
    • M5 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics

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