Public Law and Economics

This textbook applies economic analysis to public law, covering topics such as separation of powers, regulation, constitutional rights, and elections. It emphasizes the fundamental processes of government and how economics can help understand and solve legal problems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 624 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

This extensive textbook employs economic analysis to delve into the realm of public law, a field that has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past fifty years. While the economic analysis of law has primarily focused on private law, business law, and criminal law, this book takes a bold step by expanding its scope to encompass fundamental topics within public law. These include the separation of government powers, the regulation exerted by agencies, the protection of constitutional rights, and the intricacies of electoral processes.

Understanding public law requires an appreciation of the six fundamental processes that govern government. These processes are bargaining, voting, entrenching, delegating, adjudicating, and enforcing. The book dedicates two chapters to each process, beginning with an economic theory that provides a framework for understanding these dynamics. Subsequently, the theory is applied to a diverse range of puzzles and problems in law, showcasing the practical relevance of economics to the work of lawyers and judges.

Throughout each chapter, the book emphasizes the importance of cases and legal doctrine, providing readers with a clear understanding of how economic principles apply in real-world situations. By presenting lucid and accessible writing, accompanied by engaging examples, the book addresses both enduring topics in public law and contemporary controversies that have captured the attention of society. These include issues such as gerrymandering, voter identification laws, and qualified immunity for police officers.

In conclusion, this comprehensive textbook offers a valuable contribution to the study of public law. By integrating economic analysis, it provides a fresh perspective on the field, shedding light on the complex interactions between government, law, and society. Whether you are a law student, legal professional, or simply interested in understanding the workings of government, this book is an essential resource for your journey into the world of public law.

Weight: 1216g
Dimension: 182 x 262 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197655870