Waiting times in the Brazilian Supreme Court

Abstract

A method for measuring and monitoring the numerical performance of judges in deciding cases is presented. The strategy has been used to build an internet monitoring tool aimed at the members of the Brazilian Supreme Court. Measuring the expectations for judicial cases to be decided permits drafting administrative interventions aimed at reducing waiting times. Comparing expectations according to types of cases may help to better understand the subjective factors that are in play in judicial decisions. Comparing individual magistrates' performances helps to improve the system by using reputational penalties. It is found that judges react to cases in the same general manner as biological, electronic and mechanical systems react to stimuli. The form of the time distributions measured helps to explain popular perceptions (pessimistic, in the case of Brazil) about the judiciary's efficiency.

judicial delay; judicial performance; control; perceptions; compensatory measures