Judging Judges: The Effect of Courtroom Ceremony on Participant Evaluation of Process Fairness-Related Factors

25 Pages Posted: 15 May 2012

See all articles by Oscar G. Chase

Oscar G. Chase

New York University School of Law

Jonathan Thong

New York University (NYU) - Faculty of Arts and Science

Date Written: 2012

Abstract

The effect of judicial ceremony on participant evaluation of the adjudicatory process has not previously been explored empirically. Using survey results obtained from student participants in a moot oral argument in their first year at the New York University School of Law, we present an empirical investigation of the effects of judicial robes and moot court venue (courtroom, conference room, or moot court room) on student advocate perceptions of judicial behavior and case outcome. We examine two hypotheses. One, that ceremony affects participant evaluation of judicial behavior as measured by well-established elements of perceived procedural fairness. Two, that the ceremony effect will be positive, i.e., will enhance participant evaluation of fairness-related criteria. Our preliminary results show strong support for both hypotheses.

Suggested Citation

Chase, Oscar G. and Thong, Jonathan, Judging Judges: The Effect of Courtroom Ceremony on Participant Evaluation of Process Fairness-Related Factors (2012). Yale Journal of Law and the Humanities, Vol. 24, p. 221, Winter 2012, NYU School of Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 12-23, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2060405

Oscar G. Chase (Contact Author)

New York University School of Law ( email )

40 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012-1099
United States
212-998-6217 (Phone)
212-995-4881 (Fax)

Jonathan Thong

New York University (NYU) - Faculty of Arts and Science ( email )

New York, NY
United States

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