Toward an Integrated Model of Judicial Voting Behavior

Abstract

This article is an initial step toward the development of an integrated model of judicial decision making. The study synthesizes elements derived from contextual and attitudinal perspectives by application of a neo-institutional perspective. The neo-institutional approach emphasizes the interaction of environmental forces and individual preferences with institutional rules and structures. Judicial voting on death penalty cases from 1980 to 1988 in four states are examined employing pooled probit analysis. The results indicate that institutional rules are important influences on judicial choice.