Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences

We analyze the extent and consequences of unequal representation on juries in Harris County, Texas. first document that residents from predominantly White high-income neighborhoods are substantially overrepresented juries. Using quasirandom variation those called for jury duty each day, we next establish Black defendants more likely to be convicted receive longer sentences with these neighborhoods. estimate equal would reduce defendants’ median sentence length by 50 percent probability receiving a life 67 percent. Straightforward remedies could mitigate legally unwarranted racial disparities. (JEL J15, K41)