The Effects of Prosecutorial Screening on the Timing and Disposition of Cases

• In Event: Prosecutors and Policy Effects: Findings from Four Jurisdictions

Abstract

When paired with large caseloads, “vertical” prosecution – handling cases from referral to disposition – can lead to significant delays in assessing new cases. Where offices fail to triage cases, low-level and even improper arrests can languish in the system for weeks to months taking up valuable court resources. In the first randomized control trial of case intake in the United States, we find that the introduction of a dedicated intake unit significantly decreases time-to-disposition. Further, for cases that are ultimately dismissed, we find significant differences in how quickly arrestees have their cases dismissed. These results suggest that dedicated intake units can quickly dispose of cases, thus reducing case backlogs, time in the system for those accused, quickly provide feedback to law enforcement on arrest policies, and reduce cost to the courts, law enforcement, and other criminal legal system actors.

Author

• Kevin Himberger, Justice Innovation Lab