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ECON154

Law and Economics

Economics H&S - Humanities & Sciences

Course Description

In this course, we explore the role of law in promoting social well-being (happiness). Law, among its other benefits, can serve as a mechanism to harmonize private incentives with cooperative gains, to maintain an equitable division of those gains, and to deter social defection and dystopia. Law is thus an implementation of the social contract and essential to civilization. Economic analysis of law focuses on the welfare-enhancing incentive effects of law (and of law enforcement). More generally, we study the law's role in reducing the risks of cooperation, achieved by fixing expectations of what courts or the state will do in possible futures. Prerequisite: ECON 50 or PUBLPOL 50. Final paper instead of an exam. Instructor consent required for enrollment. Please email the instructor a short statement of interest (300 words max) explaining why you would like to enroll in the course.

Cross Listed Courses

Grading Basis

ROP - Letter or Credit/No Credit

Min

4

Max

5

Course Repeatable for Degree Credit?

No

Course Component

Discussion

Enrollment Optional?

Yes

Course Component

Lecture

Enrollment Optional?

No

This course has been approved for the following WAYS

Social Inquiry (SI)

Does this course satisfy the University Language Requirement?

No

Programs

ECON154 is a completion requirement for: