Concepts in Law and Economics

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 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

• Introduction ; Chapter 1: E pluribus unum ; Chapter 2: The Sixty-Minute Law School ; Chapter 3: What's done is done? ; Chapter 4: Squeezing a balloon ; Chapter 5: Deorum injuriae Diis curae [Injuries to the gods will be remedied by the gods] ; Chapter 6: Crooked timber ; Conclusions