Economic Analysis of Law

Paper Summary:

The field of economic analysis of law is said to have begun with Jeremy Bentham who systematically examined how actors would behave in the face of legal incentives and who evaluated outcomes with respect to a clearly stated measure of social welfare (utilitarianism). This paper examines economic analysis of law seeks to answer two basic questions about legal rules. Namely, what are the effects of legal rules on the behavior of relevant actors? And are these effects of legal rules socially desirable? In answering these positive and normative questions, the approach employed in economic analysis of law is that used in economic analysis generally. The behavior of individuals and firms is described assuming that they are forward looking and rational and the framework of welfare economics is adopted to assess social desirability.

From the Paper:

"But no matter how careful we might be considering the economic analysis of the situation there can be no presupposition of a truth vis--vis utilitarian ethics. If we consider that utilitarianism takes well being as the only goal for human activity, then we must identify it with happiness or desire-fulfillment. Instead, a theory of justice and rights ought to be considered important in its own right within economic ethics. Market-wise, whatever is in vogue is what will be implemented."

More papers on Economic Analysis of Law:

• Comparison Essay # 11424 : "Risks & Wrongs" by Jules Coleman & "Economic Analysis of Law by Richard Posner"
• Analytical Essay # 145819 : "Financial Viability Analysis of Michigan"
• Analytical Essay # 130870 : "Pakistan: A Political, Historical, and Economic Analysis"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: