Concepts in Law and Economics

A Guide for the Curious

Jim Leitzel

Challenges traditional approaches to law and economics
Applies the methods of law and economics to a broad range of topics
Compactly covers a range of topics at the intersection of law economics of interest to academics and students of both disciplines
Employs entertaining examples to illustrate the book's major points

Concepts in Law and Economics

A Guide for the Curious

Jim Leitzel

Description

"Law and economics" involves the application of economic analysis to legal problems. Law and economics features in public policy debates as well as across the social sciences in fields such as political economy, constitutional economics, and political science.

Concepts in Law and Economics: A Guide for the Curious provides a comprehensive integration of the fields of law and economics. In clear prose, Jim Leitzel challenges traditional approaches to law and economics and uncovers common themes that cut across the two fields, providing readers with a means of integrating their knowledge to examine problems through both a legal and economic lens. This book covers the major methods of law and economics and applies those methods to various issues, including art vandalism, sales of human kidneys, and the ownership of meteorites. Compact yet comprehensive, this is an ideal introduction to a vast number of concepts and controversies in the fields of law and economics. Economics students, law students, and those with a general interest in the social sciences will find Concepts in Law and Economics an interesting and engaging read, and will emerge with the necessary skills for thinking like a law and economics practitioner.

Concepts in Law and Economics

A Guide for the Curious

Jim Leitzel

Concepts in Law and Economics

A Guide for the Curious

Jim Leitzel

Author Information

Jim Leitzel is the Director of Public Policy Studies in the College at the University of Chicago, where he has taught public policy and economics since 1998. He received his PhD in economics from Duke University; he has taught at Vanderbilt University, Duke University, the New Economic School in Moscow, and the International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University. Jim's research has concerned areas such as transition economics, gun control, and law and economics.

Concepts in Law and Economics

A Guide for the Curious

Jim Leitzel

Reviews and Awards

"Concepts in Law and Economics: A Guide for the Curious is a highly accessible, thorough, and entertaining introduction to the interaction of law and economics. Leitzel's engaging volume reads almost like a mystery as he sets up a wide range of real and hypothetical scenarios to illustrate the key points. Readers will be curious about discovering the answer and, in the process, will learn a great deal." Joni Hersch, Professor of Law and Economics, Co-founder and Co-director, PhD Program in Law and Economics, Vanderbilt University

"A gem! The perfect introduction to the 'law and economics' idea: clear, concise, full of gripping examples, often witty. A full exposition that never loses critical distance. I plan both to assign it as a textbook and to send it to friends." Mark Kleiman, Professor of Public Policy, School of Public Affairs, UCLA

"The application of economic reasoning to the law has become widespread. In this lively and engaging book, Jim Leitzel explains how and why the legal system came to rely on economic concepts. Leitzel writes with clarity and without jargon. You do not have to be a lawyer or economist to understand everything in this book, but lawyers and economists can benefit from this book along with anyone who is curious about the interplay of law and economics." Sam Peltzman, Ralph & Dorothy Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Economics Emeritus, Booth School, University of Chicago