Theatrical Justice: The Use of Mass Hearings in Operation Streamline Pubblico

Abstract

This thesis aims to address whether the number of individuals heard in the same hearing affects an individual’s ability to exercise their voice in the courtroom. Using first-hand observations of hearings in Tucson, Arizona, as well as interviews with public defenders and court watchers from across the country, I evaluate the relationship between the number of defendants in a hearing and individual voice utilization in the context of mass hearings of migrants accused of entering the United States unlawfully. I propose two theoretical mechanisms that explain why migrants may be less likely to speak up in mass hearings, considering the literature on the importance of defendants having adequate knowledge of legal processes for using their voices and social-psychological studies that analyze how individuals behave differently in group settings. My research suggests that mass hearings could jeopardize an individual’s ability to use their voice in the legal setting. These findings generate important insights regarding the use of prosecutorial resources, access to asylum, and threats to due process rights.  

Table of Contents

I.        Introduction

II.       Literature Review

Operation Streamline’s Use of Mass Hearings

Individual Behavior in Group Settings

Conceptualizing Voice

This Study’s Contributions

III.     Theoretical Framework & Research Hypotheses

Inadequate Knowledge Theory

Social Pressure to Conform Theory

IV.      Research Design

Court Observations

Elite Interviews

V.       Results & Discussion

Inadequate Knowledge Hypotheses

Social Pressure to Conform Hypotheses

Asylum Considerations

Limitations

Future Research

VI.      Conclusion

VII.    Works Cited

VIII.   Appendices

Appendix A

Appendix B

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Political Science
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Political Science, General
Parola chiave	Immigration Policy Due Process
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Staton, Jeffrey, Emory University
Committee Members	Fraga, Bernard, Emory University Owen, Judd, Emory University

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