Journal of Human Resources · 2024 · Aria Golestani、Emily Owens、Kerri M. Raissian
Abstract
<h3>Abstract</h3> We evaluate specialized domestic violence (DV) courts using administrative data on misdemeanor cases in Davidson County, TN between 2000-2006. We find that DV defendants arbitrarily assigned to specialized courts are more likely go to trial, and less likely to be convicted, than those in traditional court. DV victims in cases assigned to specialized courts are less likely to be involved in future DV incidents, but more likely to cooperate with police than those assigned to traditional courts. Defendants assigned to DV vs. traditional courts are no more or less likely to be charged with a future crime.