Electoral Sentencing Cycles

Abstract We add to our understanding of the optimal method judicial selection by exploiting an unusual feature in North Carolina: judges rotate location every 6 months. This allows us identify existence and source sentencing variation over electoral cycle. show that when elections approach, felony sentences rise. increase is found exclusively are their district election, only contested. When hear cases outside home district, do not significantly vary Our results cycles can be explained strategic attempt please voters. The unique setting reject alternative behavioral or contextual explanations for rise as approach. (JEL K42).