Law and Economics has become a highly influential perspective for assessing how law functions and thinking about better ways to design laws to achieve their social objectives. This course will introduce students to the central tools and concepts of law and economics, including some basic introduction to the use of empirical methods. We will begin with a brief introduction to some basic economic theory, including both neo-classical and behavioural approaches. We will then move on to study the application of law and economics analysis in a variety of legal contexts. Applications in the area of property, tort, criminal, corporate law, operation of the legal system, environmental law, and discrimination will be considered, among other possible topics. Throughout the course, we will discuss both the strengths and limitations of law and economics. Students will research, apply and critique law and economics analysis relevant to a legal issue of their choice as the major assessment for the course. No prior knowledge of economics or empirical methods is needed.
Law and Economics has become a highly influential perspective for assessing how law functions and thinking about better ways to design laws to achieve their social objectives. This course will introduce students to the central tools and concepts of law and economics, including some basic introduction to the use of empirical methods. We will begin with a brief introduction to some basic economic theory, including both neo-classical and behavioural approaches. We will then move on to study the application of law and economics analysis in a variety of legal contexts. Applications in the area of property, tort, criminal, corporate law, operation of the legal system, environmental law, and discrimination will be considered, among other possible topics. Throughout the course, we will discuss both the strengths and limitations of law and economics. Students will research, apply and critique law and economics analysis relevant to a legal issue of their choice as the major assessment for the course. No prior knowledge of economics or empirical methods is needed.
