The essence of Law and Economics is the study of how markets function. This class will begin with an analysis of the economics of firms and the interrelationship with markets. This will lead to a focus of the course on market regulation as to competition, innovation, pricing and other strategies. In particular, economic analysis germane to Antitrust law will be studied as well as Securities, Intellectual Property, and Environmental Law. The course will also delve into how applied economic thinking is useful from a regulatory perspective for a particular industry or two. Finally, the course will cover aspects of social regulation, including the classic concepts of law and economics pertaining to property rights. Students will learn the thought patterns, concepts and tools that both consulting economists and regulators rely upon. The professor will draw upon his rich career in these fields to structure the class in an active learning format to make the material engaging.
Pre-requisite: ADEC 7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory, or department approval.