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  5. Fragile Algorithms and Fallible Decision-Makers: Lessons from the Justice System

Journal of Economic Perspectives

ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)

Fragile Algorithms and Fallible Decision-Makers: Lessons from the Justice System

  • Jens Ludwig
  • Sendhil Mullainathan
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 35, no. 4, Fall 2021
(pp. 71–96)
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Abstract

Algorithms (in some form) are already widely used in the criminal justice system. We draw lessons from this experience for what is to come for the rest of society as machine learning diffuses. We find economists and other social scientists have a key role to play in shaping the impact of algorithms, in part through improving the tools used to build them.

Citation

Ludwig, Jens, and Sendhil Mullainathan. 2021. "Fragile Algorithms and Fallible Decision-Makers: Lessons from the Justice System." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 35 (4): 71–96. DOI: 10.1257/jep.35.4.71

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
  • K14 Criminal Law
  • K37 Immigration Law
  • K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
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