Temperature and Decisions: Evidence from 207,000 Court Cases

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Year: 2019
Volume: 11
Issue: 2
Pages: 238-65

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We analyze the impact of outdoor temperature on high-stakes decisions (immigration adjudications) made by professional decision-makers (US immigration judges). In our preferred specification, which includes spatial, temporal, and judge fixed effects, and controls for various potential confounders, a 10°F degree increase in case-day temperature reduces decisions favorable to the applicant by 6.55 percent. This is despite judgements being made indoors, "protected" by climate control. Results are consistent with established links from temperature to mood and risk appetite and have important implications for evaluating the influence of climate on "cognitive output."

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejapp:v:11:y:2019:i:2:p:238-65
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25