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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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    3. Madanizadeh, Seyed Ali, 2021. "International trade, skill premium and endogenous labor division: The case of Mexico," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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    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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