ECONOMICS OF

BUSINESS AND LAW

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of the economic analysis of law. Participants will be able understand the reciprocal nature of conflicting interests in the use of resources and the relevance of transaction costs for the resolution of such conflicts. Students will become familiar with the basic economic models regarding civil law, penal law, litigation and public administration, and will study the economic analysis of specific topics such as intellectual property rights, international trade or consumer protection.

Contents

• The origins of property rights: constitutional economics.
• The Coase theorem and transaction cost economics.
• Protection of property rights: tort, breach of contract, penal law.
• Litigation and imperfect enforcement.
• Consumer protection and product liability.
• Intellectual property rights.

Organization of the course
The lecture is given by Prof. Dr. Roland Kirstein. The tutorial is held by Sidi Koné.

Successful participation in the final exam will bring you 3 CP.

Questions regarding the course material should be posted to the online forum "Law and Economics" (please feel free to answer the questions posted by others). Other topics can be discussed during the office hours. Please email to make an appointment.