Algorithmic Risk Assessment in the Hands of Humans

Megan T. Stevenson and Jennifer L. Doleac

American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2024, vol. 16, issue 4, 382-414

Abstract: We evaluate the impacts of adopting algorithmic risk assessments in sentencing. We find that judges changed sentencing practices in response to the risk assessment, but that discretion played a large role in mediating its impact. Judges deviated from the recommendations associated with the algorithm in systematic ways, suggestive of alternative objectives. As a result, risk assessment did not lead to detectable gains in terms of public safety or reduced incarceration rates. Using simulations, we show that strict adherence to the sentencing recommendations associated with the algorithm would have had benefits (less incarceration) but also some costs (increased sentences for youth).

JEL-codes: D81 D91 H76 K41 K42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220620

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