The Kaplan-Meier estimator is a non-parametric method that estimates the share of a cohort still unresolved at each age, correctly handling matters that are still open. It produces the survival curve from which medians and percentiles are read.
At each age at which matters resolve, the estimator updates the share still open using only the matters at risk at that age. Censored matters contribute until they leave the observation window.
It makes no assumption about the shape of the distribution, which suits legal durations. It is the standard first step before more elaborate models.
The estimator describes a cohort. It does not adjust for matter-specific factors unless the cohort is stratified or a regression model is added.
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