An Empirical Analysis of Case Disposition Time in Belgium

Samantha Bielen, Marneffe Wim () and Vereeck Lode ()
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Marneffe Wim: Faculty of Applied Economics, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, BE-3500 Hasselt, Belgium
Vereeck Lode: Faculty of Applied Economics, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, BE-3500 Hasselt, Belgium

Review of Law & Economics, 2015, vol. 11, issue 2, 293-316

Abstract: This paper analyzes the determinants of case disposition times in Belgian first instance courts by exploiting a unique dataset of 174 court cases. Unlike previous studies, our analysis focuses mainly on case-level determinants. Regression results show that the use of expert assessments on average prolongs overall disposition time by 902 days. Furthermore, the number of pleadings, as a proxy of case complexity, also significantly impacts the duration of trials. Additionally, results indicate that case outcomes, such as settlements or plaintiff wins, are significant determinants of case duration. In addition to case-level characteristics, our results indicate that two civil procedure reforms aimed at accelerating adjudication led to a major decrease of case duration in Belgian first instance courts.

Keywords: civil litigation; disposition time; court delay; civil procedure reforms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C21 K19 K41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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DOI: 10.1515/rle-2015-0023

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