Law & Rationality
Legal analysis has traditionally looked to the rational individual who consistently endeavors to maximize her payoff. Recently however, Homo Economicus – the longtime hero of traditional legal scholarship – has become subject to increasing criticism on both normative and descriptive grounds. The course will survey an emerging field – often labeled as “behavioral law and economics” – that aims to both challenge as well as supplement conventional analysis. The course will discuss some of the major contributions of the social sciences to legal analysis in areas such as criminal law, property, contracts, procedure and torts.
Grades: final exam
Grades: final exam
Please note that course organization and content may vary substantially from semester to semester and descriptions are not necessarily professor specific. Please contact the instructor directly if you have particular course-related questions.