Legal Reform and Business Contracts in Developing Economies

Julie Paquin is Assistant Professor of Law at University of Ottawa, Canada, where she teaches in the areas of private and business law. Her current research interests are in the areas of contract law, international development and socio-legal studies.

’Paquin takes outside of the doors of the academy theories about the role of law in economic development and exposes them to the sunlight of Dakar in Senegal. Looked at from the bottom up, she suggests needed revisions. Indeed, this significant work provides important suggestions about law and economic transactions that are relevant to both developing and developed nations.’ Stewart Macaulay, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA ’This book uses conversations with African entrepreneurs to paint a detailed picture of the market relationships between small firms in Dakar. The author draws from a broad literature in economics, history, and sociology, to interpret her findings and generate important insights into the workings of markets in developing countries.’ Marcel Fafchamps, University of Oxford, UK ’This book advances our understanding of the role of law in the rule of law affecting commercial transactions. Julie Paquin’s work on the complex relationships and influences underlying contractual performance bridges the gap between theory and practice. Although situated in the day-to-day reality of Dakar, her research illuminates the broader fabric of constraints to successful reform efforts, with findings that will help to shape future research and programming.’ Wade Channell, Senior Legal Reform Advisor, USAID

• Legal Reform and Business Contracts in Developing Economies