Foundations of law and economics

This landmark collection of essays provides an overview of the essential theories and methods used in the study of law and economics. The editors' careful selection includes substantial contributions from other disciplines that shed new light on the assumptions, theories and methods that may enhance the understanding of human behavior. The first part presents papers discussing theories central to the foundations of law and economics. The second part offers papers describing a variety of methodologies designed to improve traditional economic models. This insightful volume is an essential reference source for law and economic scholars, whether they are delving into the field or determining the future direction of their research.

Contents: Acknowledgements Introduction Robert D. Cooter and Francesco Parisi PART I FOUNDATIONS 1. Louis Kaplow and Steven Shavell (1999), 'The Conflict Between Notions of Fairness and the Pareto Principle' 2. Chris William Sanchirico (2000), 'Taxes versus Legal Rules as Instruments for Equity: A More Equitable View' 3. Colin Camerer, Samuel Issacharoff, George Loewenstein, Ted O'Donoghue and Matthew Rabin (2003), 'Regulation for Conservatives: Behavioral Economics and the Case for "Asymmetric Paternalism"' PART II METHODOLOGIES 4. Ian Ayres (1990), 'Playing Games with the Law' 5. Christine Jolls, Cass R. Sunstein and Richard Thaler (1998), 'A Behavioral Approach to Law and Economics' 6. Iris Bohnet, Bruno S. Frey and Steffen Huck (2001), 'More Order with Less Law: On Contract Enforcement, Trust, and Crowding' 7. Terrence Chorvat, Kevin McCabe and Vernon Smith (2005), 'Law and Neuroeconomics' 8. John J. Donohue and Justin Wolfers (2006), 'Uses and Abuses of Empirical Evidence in the Death Penalty Debate' PART III LAW AND SOCIAL NORMS 9. Robert Cooter (1996-1997), 'Normative Failure Theory of Law' 10. Richard H. McAdams (1997), 'The Origin, Development and Regulation of Norms' 11. Eric A. Posner (1998), 'Symbols, Signals, and Social Norms in Politics and the Law' 12. Robert C. Ellickson (2001), 'The Market for Social Norms' 13. Uri Gneezy and Aldo Rustichini (2000), 'A Fine is a Price' 14. Robert Cooter and Ariel Porat (2001), 'Should Courts Deduct Non-Legal Sanctions from Damages?' Name Index