Reducing unwarrented disparities: the challenge of knowledge sharing between judges

Abstract

In their role as decision-makers, judges face the challenge of the law failing to provide clear answers to concrete cases. This may result in dissimilar decisions and outcomes in similar cases. In order to reduce unwarranted disparities, judges should participate in knowledge exchanges on a regular basis. That way, they can benefit from each other's expertise, insights and experiences and make better informed decisions. In order to manage this process in the court more effectively, a better understanding of the knowledge sharing behavior of judges is required. In this article, we will discuss how four dimensions (the technological, managerial, social and motivational dimension) can influence the knowledge sharing behavior of judges. Based on this discussion, a research model is proposed.