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More Talk, Less Conflict: Evidence from Requiring Informal Discovery Conferences.

Authors :
Helland, Eric
Yun, Minjae
Source :
American Law & Economics Review; Spring2023, Vol. 25 Issue 1, p129-189, 61p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information under the supervision of the courts. Since managing discovery is costly, courts have implemented case management techniques to reduce motion practice in discovery. This study examines whether case management techniques can reduce the likelihood of a discovery dispute. We attempt to untangle the impact of specific judges from the use of a particular case management technique. We focus on the use of informal discovery conferences (IDCs) in which parties meet with the judge before filing a motion to compel. The problem with simply testing whether IDCs reduce the number of discovery motions is that the use of an IDC is likely endogenous. Our solution to this endogeneity is to use the random assignment of judges. Since some judges have a higher propensity to use IDCs and some courts have begun requiring them, we have two sources of policy variation. Using this estimation strategy, we find that IDCs reduce the number and presence of discovery motions. (JEL K13, K40, K41) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14657252
Volume :
25
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
American Law & Economics Review
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176511391
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/aler/ahad009